FC Cologne Could Lose Title Sponsor Due To Fan Violence

Bundesliga club FC Cologne "could lose its title sponsor, retail chain REWE, if it is unable to control its violent fans," according to Pastor & Frank of BILD. The latest incident occurred when angry fans confronted 23-year-old defender Kevin Pezzoni outside his flat and threatened to beat him up. FC Cologne fans have provided a number of negative headlines over the past year including attacks against fans of rival teams, security personnel and the police. REWE CEO Alain Caparros said, "I can't allow it to happen that people associate REWE with violence and crime surrounding the game of football. In addition, we have to think about and decide what to do with this violent minority." REWE pays €2.4M ($3M) annually to be the club's title sponsor. For the club this revenue stream is vital, as it is €30M ($37.8M) in debt (BILD, 9/5).