Cologne today sacked general manager Michael Meier.

Meier has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks as Cologne have struggled to improve on their slow start to the season, which led to the dismissal of coach Zvonimir Soldo last month.

In particular, Meier has come in for heavy criticism from the fans as Cologne have failed to move clear of the relegation zone. And his fate was sealed at a general meeting chaired by president Wolfgang Overath.

A statement on Cologne's official website read: "Michael Meier was today dismissed. A termination of his contract mutually agreeable for all parties concerned will be sought shortly."

Caretaker coach Frank Schafer, whom Meier put in temporary charge following the dismissal of Soldo, revealed a replacement would be installed next week.

He was quoted as saying by Cologne's Express newspaper: "Mr [Friedrich] Neukirch [the vice president] has told the team that Mr Meier is no longer the manager.

"We were also told that a new sporting director should be installed in the next week."

Cologne drew 1-1 at home to Wolfsburg yesterday to sit third from bottom of the table with 12 points from 14 games.