
#PurpleLightUp is organised in German-speaking countries by myAbility and supported by Charta der Vielfalt e.V.. The day is intended to serve as an occasion to work together for the self-determination and participation of people with disabilities and to advocate for their concerns and needs, especially in the world of work.
Bayer 04 has also been committed to inclusion and accessibility for many years and, as a signatory of the Diversity Charter, sees these areas as pillars of social coexistence as well as an important building block of social and corporate sustainability for the club.
Specifically, this includes a barrier-free stadium experience through a service for wheelchair users, the deaf/hard of hearing and the blind/visually impaired. Through the Einfach Fußball campaign, an inclusive football group has been representing Bayer 04's colours on the national and international stage for years. This takes place within the framework of the Special Champions League, a tournament of inclusion teams organised by the EFDN throughout Europe. Through the school project Bayer 04 macht Schule, the club also puts topics such as participation, diversity and inclusion into practice.
More information about the #PurpleLightUp Day 2022 can be found HERE.

The Black and Reds kick off the new Bundesliga campaign today, Saturday 29 August (kick-off 15:30 CEST), away to newly promoted SV 07 Elversberg – and the Werkself will come up against a familiar face who is currently causing a stir at ‘Elv’. For an affordable and easy journey to the Saarland, the 1,600 travelling fans can still use the WERKSELFgo car-share platform. Today’s matchday news..
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The European jersey has been launched, the UEL opponents have been drawn – and anticipation for the European campaign is running high. To mark the occasion, an autograph session was held on Friday afternoon, 28 August, at the Fanwelt with current Werkself player Montrell Culbreath and official club legend Paulo Sergio.
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The Bundesliga is back. On Saturday 29 August (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself are away to SV 07 Elversberg on matchday 1 of the new season. Ahead of the clash at the URSAPHARM Arena on Kaiserlinde, head coach Carles Martínez spoke, amongst other things, about the importance of a successful start and the motivation of the league newcomers from the Saarland.
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On Friday afternoon, it will be decided which eight of the 36 participating teams Bayer 04 will face in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League in 2026/27. At the draw in Monaco (live on UEFA.com), the Werkself will be drawn against two teams from each of the four pots, allocated according to the UEFA club coefficient. A match against an opponent from the same country is ruled out, as is facing more than two clubs from the same national association. Here’s a look at the pots and potential opponents.
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After six and a half years, Exequiel Palacios is leaving the Bundesliga and moving from Bayer 04 to the Premier League. The Argentine, who as a Werkself player won the World Cup with his national team four years ago and finished as runners-up at this summer’s tournament, will play for newly promoted English side Ipswich Town with immediate effect. The 27-year-old, whose contract in Leverkusen was due to run until 30 June 2030, joined Bayer 04 in January 2020 as a promising young talent. He steadily developed into one of the best defensive midfielders in the German top flight.
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