Carro will also have a place on the supervisory committee of the UCC SA, the joint venture between the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and the ECA. On that high-ranking group of experts, he replaces the only German representative Oliver Kahn who resigned his seat after his departure from Bayern Munich in the spring of 2023.
In addition to Carro, the Bundesliga will continue to be represented by Jan-Christian Dreesen (Bayern Munich) and Oliver Mintzlaff (RB Leipzig). Both were able to qualify for a seat on the board in the vote held on Thursday. Germany is thereby the only country that has three board representatives on the ECA for the next four years up to 2027.
Fernando Carro on his appointment: "It is important that German football has a significant voice in the European context in these demanding and forward-looking times. I look forward to the coming tasks and also knowing that I will have two expert and experienced allies for German interests at my side in Jan-Christian Dreesen and Oliver Mintzlaff.“
The European body UEFA and the ECA agreed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on extending cooperation to 2030 on Wednesday. The close cooperation of the two organisations was a crucial factor in turning away from the Super League in 2021 and then enabling the reform of the UEFA Champions League from 2024.
The ECA:
The European Club Association (ECA) is an autonomous and independent special interest group of European football clubs officially recognised both by UEFA and FIFA. Since being founded in 2008, the ECA protects and supports clubs in all international football matters and decision-making processes. The ECA sees the club as the "heart of football." The ECA is headed by an executive board elected by the general meeting that is supported by a number of committees with specific responsibilities and areas of activity. Click HERE for the ECA homepage.
Ecuador international Piero Hincapie, who moved to Arsenal FC on loan from Bayer 04 Leverkusen for the 2025/26 season, will join the English champions permanently on 1 July 2026.
Show more
In glorious sunshine and temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius, the Bayer 04 Women have begun their preparations for the new season. With a relaxed first session at the Kurtekotten training centre, coach Roberto Pätzold’s team became the first Bundesliga side to resume training after a 37-day break.
Show more
Black and Red stand out. Under the slogan ‘Diversity under the Cross’, Bayer 04 took part in Pride on the Rhine at the weekend alongside the queer fan club “Bayer 04 Junxx”. The club mascot, Brian the Lion, and several members of staff were also in attendance, championing diversity and solidarity.
Show more
Centre-back Melissa Friedrich is set to remain at Bayer 04 for another year. The longest-serving player in the squad, who joined the club in 2016, has extended her contract to 2027.
Show more
