1. FC Cologne Fined €220,000 for Fan Pyrotechnics at Bayern Match

Cologne’s 1. FC Cologne has received a €220,000 fine from the German Football Association (DFB) following the employ of pyrotechnics by supporters during a January Bundesliga match against Bayern Munich, according to a statement released by the DFB on Monday.

The DFB sports court determined that numerous pyrotechnic devices were set off by club fans at the start of the match, forcing a nine-minute stoppage due to heavy smoke, Die Zeit reported. At least 110 pyrotechnic objects were identified through video review, including approximately 100 Bengal flares and 10 smoke bombs.

The club is permitted to allocate up to €73,000 of the fine towards security measures or violence prevention initiatives. This is not the first time 1. FC Cologne has faced sanctions for fan behavior. In March, an ex-youth coach for the club was taken into custody on suspicion of child abuse, as reported by Die Zeit.

The DFB control committee’s decision underscores the association’s ongoing efforts to address safety concerns and maintain order during Bundesliga matches. The incident occurred during a period of heightened scrutiny regarding fan conduct in German football, with other recent matches also experiencing disruptions. The fine comes after a weekend where Bayern Munich secured a point against Bayer Leverkusen, whereas Hamburger SV and Cologne played to a draw, according to Die Zeit.

The German Press Agency (dpa) reported the fine on March 25, 2026, noting the incident occurred in mid-January. The DFB has not yet announced any further actions regarding the incident.