Two board members from each of the professional clubs signed the cooperation agreement at the German Football Museum in Dortmund on Monday afternoon. Bayer 04 were represented by Fernando Carro, chairman of the board, and sporting managing director Rudi Völler. NRW Minister of the Interior Herbert Reul explained after the meeting: "We are dealing with a problem that has existed for decades. Intensive exchange of information and close cooperation are the keys to less violence in football."
The alliances are to be set up and individually administered in each of the venues by the club and the local police authorities according to agreed standards. Regular information, joint exercises, discussions and dedicated contacts form part of all the agreements.
In addition to Bayer 04, the following clubs have agreed to the alliances: Borussia Dortmund, Borussia Mönchengladbach, FC Schalke 04, FC Köln, Arminia Bielefeld, SC Paderborn 07, VfL Bochum and Fortuna Düsseldorf.
Background to the co-operative approach is combating violence relating to football. During the 2018/19 season, 276 people were injured and 1,615 prosecutions were launched in relation to football matches in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have loaned new signing Luca Erlein to newly promoted FC Energie Cottbus for the 2026/27 season. This will give him the opportunity to play in Bundesliga 2. The club signed the 19-year-old right-back on a permanent basis last week, on a contract to 30 June 2030.
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Trophies as a youth, appearances in the pro game and his first taste of international competition: new arrival Luca Erlein, who has been signed from TSG Hoffenheim, can already look back on some remarkable achievements and moments in his fledgling career. We take a closer look at the 19-year-old right-back, who can also fill other roles across the defensive line.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed Germany U19 international Luca Erlein from Hoffenheim. The 19-year-old right-back, who is capable of playing in various defensive positions, has penned a contract until 30 June 2030.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen has a new coffee partner. The club has agreed a long-term partnership with the Bocholt-based roastery Imping, running to 30 June 2031. The exclusive partnership with the family-run business includes the installation of fully automatic coffee machines at the BayArena, as well as the right to supply and serve coffee products in the business areas during Werkself home games.
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