The demand for the shirt was so high that the Bayer 04 web shop was unavailable at times. The Werkself would like to apologise for that and particularly to fans who were unable to get through.
The proceeds from the joint campaign by Bayer 04, Barmenia and JAKO were originally due to benefit the Leverkusen project 'Bayer 04 im Quartier'. However, given the Russian attack on Ukraine and the great suffering of millions of people, it is now been decided to donate the money to the campaign to support Ukraine.
"We are very happy and grateful that all the partners in the project have immediately agreed to the idea of using the proceeds for another purpose. Because of the war in Eastern Europe, people are dying every day, countless are being injured and millions are fleeing. Being able to help is hugely important and an urgent requirement," said Bayer 04 CEO Fernando Carro.
The special shirt for the derby is available as a strictly limited edition: Only 1,930 shirts – a reference to the year the city of Leverkusen was founded – will go on sale. The cream-white kit has a number of special elements. That includes the Bayer 04 logo in the collar of the shirt as is the JAKO logo. In addition, the Barmenia logo is replaced on the chest by the coat of arms of the City of Leverkusen.
"For Barmenia, the principle of sustainability has firmly been part of our company policy for many years. That particularly includes the acceptance of social responsibility. We are therefore very happy to release our space on the Bayer 04 shirt. We were happy to do that to help 'Bayer 04 im Quartier'. But the world has changed. Russia's attack on Ukraine has shocked us deeply. Our thoughts are with the people who now need our help," said Barmenia director Frank Lamsfuß. In addition to Barmenia, our partner FLOKI has also given up their advertising space on the special shirt.
Proceeds will be donated to the Leverkusen Community Foundation (Bürgerstiftung Leverkusen). Funds will be distributed to regional organisations supporting Ukrainian refugees in association with the City of Leverkusen.
The first women, children and teenagers from Ukraine have arrived in Leverkusen. The City Council is currently preparing for the arrival of further refugees. The immediate need is to provide people with somewhere to live, clothing, food, and essential daily provisions.
The Leverkusen Community Foundation and Bayer 04 worked together successfully last summer with flood disaster relief that provided swift support to many people in Leverkusen and the surrounding area.
The special shirt is available now from the Bayer 04 online shop plus the Bayer 04 fan shops in Leverkusen-Wiesdorf and at the BayArena. The shirt is available in sizes S to 5XL and costs €79.90.
Another special feature of the derby shirt: a chip is integrated into the seam of the shirt allowing fans to scan the chip with a smart phone to receive further information on the shirt. The Leverkusen coat of arms – instead of the Bayer 04 badge – in the numbers on the shirt as well as the Leverkusen logo are additional special features. All the clubs supplied by JAKO will launch a special shirt on Bundesliga matchdays 25 and 26. All shirts are made out of 100% recycled polyester. The slogan of the JAKO campaign, "Our team for a better world", is included on the shirt.
Although the proceeds will not go to the ‘Bayer 04 im Quartier’ project this time, the Werkself will pursue this initiative to commit long-term and as required to the city region of Leverkusen. Both current projects as well as new initiatives are part of the strategy. In future, that will include educational and activity provision in defined areas.
New signing Miguel Gutiérrez has made a good start at Leverkusen and has promptly earned a nomination for Player of the Month in his first few weeks in the Bundesliga. He has scored one goal and provided three assists in four league games. The Spanish left-back has also brought some impressive stats with him to Bayer 04. Issue #56 of the Werkself magazine has taken a look at these figures. ‘Facts & Fun’ with Miguel Gutiérrez.
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With seven points, Mainz 05 are currently joint seventh, level on points with sixth-placed Bayer 04. In today’s head-to-head clash (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself must be particularly wary of the clinical Mainz strike duo. For Leverkusen fans who have left it to the last minute, there are still a few tickets available from the matchday ticket office. Those following the Black and Reds from home, on the other hand, have a choice: RTL is broadcasting the match on free-to-air TV, and Werkself Radio is also offering the expert commentary of former Bayer 04 player Falko Götz. Today’s matchday news.
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FSV Mainz 05 went into the international break on the back of an away win at Borussia Mönchengladbach. Currently sixth in the table, the Rheinhessen side – who have been impressive on the road – now aim to continue their good start to the Bundesliga campaign at home when they face the Werkself on Saturday, 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). In terms of squad selection, Urs Fischer once again has more options at his disposal. Up front, the Mainz coach is likely to continue relying on what is currently the league’s most successful strike partnership. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Thomas Eichin has been working for Bayer 04 for six years – as Director of Professional Teams since July 2023 – and has contributed to the successful development of our club in many areas. Today, Friday 9 October, Freiburg-born Eichin is celebrating his 60th birthday. We wish him a very happy birthday.
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