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.
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.
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.
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.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended midfielder Noah Mbamba’s contract by twelve months and sent the Belgian U21 international on loan to France. At FC Lorient, the 21-year-old – whose contract at Leverkusen now runs to 30 June 2029 – is set to gain playing time in Ligue 1 and, through strong performances and further development, put himself in the running for a future place in the Werkself squad.
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Spurred on by a flawless hat-trick from Cornelia Kramer, the Bayer 04 women’s team won their penultimate pre-season friendly in commanding fashion. As part of the season launch, the Werkself beat Dutch top-flight side Feyenoord 7–0. In front of 3,000 spectators at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium, Kramer (6’, 25’, 45’), Sofie Zdebel (47’), Maja Sternad (59'), Natasha Kowalski (83') and Vanessa Fudalla (86') scored the goals for coach Roberto Pätzold’s side.
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The Shareholders’ Committee of Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH has extended the contracts of the two managing directors, Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes, ahead of schedule. The CEO, Fernando Carro (62), will continue in his role until 30 June 2029, and managing director sport Simon Rolfes (44) will remain in post until 30 June 2031.
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There’s plenty for Bayer 04 fans to enjoy both on and off the pitch at the official 2026 season launch. In addition to the women’s team taking on Feyenoord at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium at 13:15 CEST and the men’s team facing Sevilla at the BayArena at 15:30 CEST, fans of all ages can enjoy a range of activities – and get to meet Bayer 04 players and former players in the process. The Fanwelt is also offering a special promotion: buy a new shirt and get free printing! Here’s an overview of everything you need to know about the season launch, including the live streams.
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