Podolski to face fine

Forward to be punished for accusations of broken promises

By Thomas Zocher.   Last Updated: February 15, 2012 4:54pm

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Lukas Podolski: Out of contract in the summer of 2013 and linked with Arsenal

Sky Bet

Cologne have announced they will fine Germany international Lukas Podolski for his comments about the club's perceived failure to keep promises.

The 26-year-old forward, who will be out of contract in the summer of 2013 and has been linked with Arsenal, believes his club have not kept a pledge to build a team around him.

Cologne are not surprised by the outburst, having heard the comments before, but they are not happy the views have been made public.

Club executive Claus Horstmann told Express newspaper: "These statements are an affront against the club. The time and content of these statements comes as a total surprise to me.

"If you are asking for patience and silence and then step up to commit such an interview, I am unaware of the self-conception that must be behind that.

"These statements are no surprise, as they are not new to us. But these statements are coming up at an inappropriate moment for both player and club.

"I do not know what the idea is behind this. All I am to say is that this is a true breach of contractual agreement, once again. We are to sanction this."