Former Cologne head coach Lukas Kwasniok is taking legal action against his former employers over a disputed contractual clause governing his salary following his dismissal last March.
Kwasniok remains under contract with Köln through 2028 despite being relieved of his coaching duties on March 22. According to reports from the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, Kicker, and Transfermarkt, the dispute centers around an agreement that reduced the 45-year-old’s remuneration following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.
Kwasniok reportedly continued to receive his full salary of approximately €1m per year plus bonuses through the end of last season. Under the disputed clause, those payments were subsequently reduced by 50 percent. The coach and his representatives reportedly consider the reduction invalid and are seeking continued payment of his full salary.
Cologne maintain that they have complied with the existing agreement.
Kwasniok and Cologne headed for February court date
An initial conciliation hearing in August failed to produce an agreement. A chamber hearing has consequently been scheduled for February 16, 2027, although an out-of-court settlement remains possible before then. The dispute arrives approximately six months after Cologne ended Kwasniok’s tenure following a prolonged deterioration in results.
GGFN reported one day before his dismissal that Kwasniok was fighting publicly to retain his position following a 3-3 Rheinderby draw with Borussia Mönchengladbach. The point did little to relieve the pressure created by a seven-match winless run.
“I will fight for this goddamned job,” Kwasniok insisted during what ultimately proved his final post-match press conference as Cologne head coach.
Less than 24 hours later, Cologne officially relieved Kwasniok of his duties and installed assistant René Wagner on an interim basis.
Managing director Thomas Kessler cited a “clear downward trend” and an insufficient points return when announcing the decision.
Relationship began with considerable optimism
The legal dispute represents an acrimonious coda to a relationship that began with considerable optimism only a little over a year ago. GGFN covered Kwasniok’s appointment in June 2025, with Kessler at the time praising the coach’s ability to develop teams, produce attractive football and improve younger players.
The partnership initially produced encouraging results. Problems nevertheless mounted as the season progressed, with Cologne entering 2026 on a lengthy winless run and supporters beginning to openly question the coach.
By January, GGFN covered the first significant calls for Kwasniok’s dismissal after traveling supporters displayed a “Kwasni-Yok” banner during a draw at Heidenheim. Kwasniok survived that period and briefly steadied matters, but another extended downturn eventually proved decisive.
Kwasniok remains without another club. The former Cologne coach was linked with the Karlsruher SC position earlier this year and reportedly held talks with club officials, but no agreement materialized. If Kwasniok finds employment elsewhere, that could naturally affect the proceedings.
Another former Kwasniok assistant, Hannes Dold, is also involved in separate labor-court proceedings against Cologne. The exact substance of Dold’s case has not been publicly disclosed.
