1. FC Kaiserslautern's Paul Joly Suspended Ahead of Season Opener Due to Betting Violation

1. FC Kaiserslautern will start the 2026/27 season without their right-back Paul Joly, who has been suspended due to a betting violation committed during the 2024/25 season. The suspension was recently communicated to the German Football Association, coming from the French Football Federation (FFF), which imposed the sanction while Joly was still playing for AJ Auxerre. According to Bild, the specific details of Joly’s betting violation have not been disclosed, but professional footballers are strictly prohibited from betting on any football competitions, whether national or international. Joly, 26, had become a permanent player for Kaiserslautern after a loan spell and played 30 competitive matches for the club. Kaiserslautern’s coach, Torsten Lieberknecht, emphasizes that despite this setback, the team has a strong and experienced squad, integrating eleven new players during pre-season. The club faces a challenging season opener against VfL Wolfsburg, a strong contender for promotion after relegation from the Bundesliga. Lieberknecht maintains a realistic approach to the season, valuing stability and character within the team rather than relying solely on high-profile players. The club is preparing rigorously in Tirol, and the transfer window remains open until September 1, allowing room for potential squad additions. Joly’s absence is a notable blow but the team remains focused ahead of a demanding schedule including matches against Karlsruher SC and SV Waldhof Mannheim.