Back
17.03.2020Bayer 04

Völler on Euro 2020 postponement: Appropriate and sensible

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has postponed the European Championship planned for this year to the summer of 2021 (11 June to 11 July) due to the coronavirus pandemic. That was decided by the UEFA executive committee in a video conference on Tuesday that involved representatives of all 55 member associations, national leagues and the European Club Association (ECA).
crop_2020311_NB_Rudi_Voeller_Interview_vor_Abflug_Glasgow_76014.jpg

And a decision was also reached in relationship to the Champions League and the Europa League. Both competitions, currently paused, remain suspended until further notice.

Völler: Sound decision

Rudi Völler, Bayer 04 sporting managing director, welcomed the UEFA decision: “The postponement of EURO 2020 by a year is absolutely appropriate and sensible. That gives national leagues the time and opportunity for all of them to complete their competitions in a fair and equitable fashion. With this sound decision by UEFA, clubs plus national and international associations – always taking into account the prevailing health scenario – have been given the necessary room for manoeuvre with current competitions. Bayer 04 Leverkusen will now face the big challenges posed by coronavirus with greater resolve, do everything to protect players and members of staff and beyond that, in co-operation with all the other clubs, work to bring the season to a successful conclusion.”

Hradecky: Health comes first

And Lukas Hradecky, the Werkself and Finland goalkeeper, fully understands today’s decision: “We Finns have been waiting 80 years to get to the finals of a major football tournament. So a couple of months won’t make much difference to my Euro dream coning true. Of course, health comes first. Don’t forget: It’s also a chance for players ruled out by serious injuries to be able to take part.”

Related News

Noah Mbamba
Bayer 04 - 08.08.2026

Bayer 04 extend Noah Mbamba’s contract and loan the Belgian to FC Lorient

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.

Show more
Jubel der Werkself
Women - 08.08.2026

Goal fest with a hat-trick from Kramer: Women’s team beat Feyenoord 7-0

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.

Show more
Kurzpässe zur Saisoneröffnung 2026
Bayer 04 - 07.08.2026

Season launch 2026: Special offers and free printing

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.

Show more
Abschlussfoto im Trainingslager im Weimarer Land
Bayer 04 - 07.08.2026

Day 6 blog: Final session and special farewell | Training camp in the Weimarer Land

A round-up of the Werkself training camp in the Weimarer Land, all in one place: in our daily blog you’ll find all the insights and updates from the day. Day six (Friday 7 August) is as follows: This morning, the squad completed their final training session – this time behind closed doors – here in Blankenhain, before heading back to Leverkusen after lunch. The big season launch is scheduled for tomorrow.

Show more