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.
A simple approach to sport with games, fun and a highlight at the end: Bayer 04 organised a very special training session for 40 participants aged between six and 27 in cooperation with the Football Association of the Middle Rhine (FVM). At the day of action for women and girls with disabilities at the Kurtekotten Performance Centre, many of the participants gained their first experience of football.
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On Saturday, 28 March, the lights will go out again at the BayArena from 20:30 pm to 21:30. As in previous years, Bayer 04 once again take part in the WWF Earth Hour campaign under the motto "We're switching off" as the club wants to set a collective example for more climate and environmental protection together with people, cities and companies around the world.
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Less than a year ago, Kerim Alajbegovic moved from the Bayer 04 U19s to Austrian top-flight club FC Red Bull Salzburg. The forward’s development since then has been impressive. In 36 matches, including in the UEFA Europa League, the 18-year-old has scored 14 goals. In the summer, Alajbegovic, now a Bosnia international, will return to Leverkusen - and thus not only achieve the next milestone still early in his career, but also enrich the Werkself squad with his footballing versatility and determination.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with forward Nathan Tella ahead of schedule. The versatile 26-year-old, who can be deployed as a right winger, false nine or left winger, has penned a new contract to 30 June 2031. Tella joined the Werkself from Championship club Southampton in 2023. His previous contract ran to the summer of 2028.
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Nathan Tella has extended his contract with Bayer 04 to 2031. In an interview with Werkself TV, the 26-year-old talks about fulfilling his dreams, his positive outlook on life and his goals for the future. He answers the questions in English - all except the last one, which he addresses directly to the fans...
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