Back
16.12.2020Bayer 04

News in brief: Stieler refs #KOEB04 – Carro talks to fans

The German Football Association (DFB) has announced the match officials for the clash on the other side of the Rhine, Fernando Carro recently had a virtual discussion Werkself fans, and the 'Sterntaler’ 2020 event has brought smiles to faces in Leverkusen: Wednesday's news in brief.
crop_imago0048496228h.jpg

Referee Tobias Stieler is in charge of the Rhine derby between FC Köln and the Werkself on Wednesday 16 December (kick-off: 20.30 CET/live on Sky and on Werks11 Radio). The lawyer from Hamburg has refereed 20 games involving the Black and Reds to date with Bayer 04 winning 16 of them (two draws). Stieler showed 20 yellow cards in those games and sent one Werkself player off for two yellow card offences.

Virtual dialogue with fans

A successful start for the 'Bayer 04 surgery': Virtual meetings have become commonplace since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. In these times where face-to-face meetings with more than one person in a room are to be avoided, this is a helpful alternative – which the Bayer 04 fan liaison section also sees as important. Fernando Carro, Bayer 04 CEO, and Meinolf Sprink (director of fans/community) recently held a remote discussion with Werkself fans on current issues relating to Bayer 04. In the coming months there will be other surgeries with Werkself supporters, different hosts and different subjects.

Sterntaler 2020: Successful conclusion

For the thirteenth time, the Leverkusen community foundation have carried out their 'Sterntaler' event. The aim is to provide joy to children and aged persons in the city. Staff and players from Bayer 04 have again taken part in the project this year and fulfilled the wishes of 134 Sterntaler. "It's a matter close to our hearts every year and it goes without saying that we are happy to participate in the 'Sterntaler' event to show our commitment to the local community," said Meinolf Sprink, director of fans/community at Bayer 04.

crop_Sterntaler_Abgabe_3.jpg

DFL: Covid-19 tests before club debuts

As announced by the German Football League (DFL) on Wednesday, the transfer window in Germany will be open from 2 January to 1 February. Winter signings can only be played from matchday 15 (8 to 11 January). The DFL will only issue a players permit if the relevant player can demonstrate they have the required number of negative coronavirus tests according to the pandemic level.

The Werkself return in the New Year on Saturday 2 January (kick-off: 15.30 CET) with a Bundesliga away fixture at Eintracht Frankfurt on matchday 14.

Related News

Bayer04_Arsenal_London_2526.jpg
Champions League - 27.02.2026

Tickets for the Champions League Round of 16 home game against Arsenal

The Werkself host Premier League club Arsenal in the Round of 16 first leg in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign. The match at the BayArena is on 10/11 March. Read on for information on ticket sales for this fixture.

Show more
Lucas Vázquez
Bayer 04 - 27.02.2026

Injury sidelines Lucas Vázquez

Bayer 04 Leverkusen will have to manage without Spanish player Lucas Vázquez for the time being. The experienced full-back and winger suffered an injury to his right calf during the Werkself's Champions League match against Olympiacos (0-0) on Tuesday.

Show more
Friederike Repohl
Women - 26.02.2026

After five years at Bayer 04: Goalkeeper Friederike Repohl to retire

A goalkeeping era is coming to an end for Bayer 04 Women, with Friederike Repohl retiring when her contract expires at the end of the season. The 31-year-old has played for the Werkself since 2021 and also captained the team since last season. The Bielefeld-born keeper already made her decision during the winter break before her injury.

Show more
Marc und Sean Landwehr
eSports - 26.02.2026

#B04eSports: Leverkusen through to third straight VBL CC final after play-off win

Job done: the Bayer 04 eSports team defeated SV Darmstadt 98 in the play-offs to secure their consecutive participation in the VBL Club Championship final. The journey continues now for Leverkusen on Saturday 7 March (from 17:00 CET) with a last-16 encounter at Hamburger SV.

Show more
Carlotta Wamser im Trikot der deutschen Nationalmannschaft
Women - 25.02.2026

World Cup qualifiers: Eight Bayer 04 women on international duty

The first international break in 2026 marks the start of the battle to qualify for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil for a German and Austrian duo, while a quintet will conclude the U23 international season. A total of eight Leverkusen players will be on international duty with their national teams in the coming days.

Show more