"A lot of different interests have to be considered in this process. It was and is important to us that there is no free ride for dubious business activities," said Fernando Carro, chairman of the Bayer 04 board.
FFP proved to be vulnerable in the past because rules could be avoided. "Against that background, we as the Bundesliga must and can live with the compromise reached," added Carro. The ECA with its 240 members, including numerous Bundesliga clubs such as Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund alongside Bayer 04, has played a considerable part in the follow-up ruling to FFP. The results now have to be approved by the executive committee at UEFA.
Media reports have recently said that UEFA will decide on the updated FFP in April. It is believed clubs will only be able to spend up to 70% of their income on transfers, salaries and agents fees. But the salary cap demanded by many will not happen.
The difference between income and expenditure may be balanced out by external investors to the sum of up to €30 million per season. Up to now it has been €10 million per season. The unlimited flow of money from investors, primarily feared by German clubs, will thereby be avoided. The ECA has also decided to give €1 million to help people from the Ukraine affected by the war. This "first financial contribution" is to be used to support a range of initiatives by ECA member clubs.
The second friendly and the first goal for the Bayer 04 Women: The Werkself just missed out on their first win in the preseason away to top-flight Dutch side PEC Zwolle. The team led by coach Roberto Pätzold drew 1-1 on Friday afternoon in Wezep. As with the friendly against TSG Hoffenheim (0-2) a number of first-team players were absent. The coach once again shared out time on the pitch for the 20-player squad. The goal of the match was scored by summer signing Vanessa Fudalla (67').
Show moreContinuity under the Cross: After the successful season in 2024/25 with reaching the final of the VBL Club Championship, the two Leverkusen e-sports players Marc and Sean Landwehr have extended their contracts at Bayer 04 by an additional two years. Marc is thereby in his sixth year and Sean in his third year with the Werkself. Together with e-talent Marcus Hüttemann, who has also extended his stay at Bayer 04 Bayer year, completes the current squad for the 2025/26 season.
Show moreAn average of over 3,500 fans supported the Werkself at away games last season. Looking forward to the 2025/26 season, Bayer 04 now provide information on ticket sales for away games. The previous 0 sales phase is being replaced by the Regulars phase.
Show moreThe German Football League (DFL) has confirmed the details for the first five matchdays in the 2025/26 Bundesliga season. Read on for details of the fixtures.
Show more