Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH aims to make the clubs platforms accessible in accordance with the Accessibility Empowerment Act (BFSG). This statement relates to the following platforms:

• Bayer 04 website (bayer04.de and all subdomains)
• Bayer 04 shop
• Bayer 04 apps (Apple iOS & Google Android)

Bayer 04 is the home to all fans, staff, football enthusiasts and friends who all feel at home under the Cross. The club stands for diversity, equality of opportunity and respectful cooperation without discrimination.

Bayer 04 accepts responsibility and designs its digital provision to be accessible to enable as many people as possible to have access to information and to participate in the life of the community – regardless of individual needs.

With the Accessibility Empowerment Act coming into force on 28 June 2025 the club is also legally committed to accessible digital provision.

For Bayer 04 accessibility is more than a legal requirement – it is social responsibility. The club does not only want to meet standards but also act as a pioneer for positive changes and use the charisma beyond football.

Content on the website, on the shop and on the app can, for example, be read out using a screen reader function (with Apple iOS via VoiceOver, with Google Android via TalkBack, with Windows via NVDA). In addition, images are described via alternative text (ALT Text) and headings are accurately presented. Colour contrast and font size are taken into account to make content perceptible to everybody. Control and navigation are ensured on the website and on the shop on the Internet browser.

our route to accessibility

In the process to achieve an accessible design of the club's digital platforms, Bayer 04 has worked intensively on the subject of digital accessibility. Together with experts from the organisation KickIn! - Beratungsstelle für Inklusion im Fußball  (advisory body for inclusion in football), the digital platforms are subject to comprehensive testing. Tests are performed based on WCAG 2.2 and the BITV test. The aim is to achieve conformity ratings of A or AA in all testing. The focus includes screen reader compatibility and colour contrast, as well as the operability of the website via the keyboard.

A large number of measures have already been identified and implemented as well as a sustainable strategy developed for an accessible internet presence. Bayer 04 is aware that this route is an ongoing process that requires constant work. New challenges and developments are actively taken up.

What have we already achieved?

• Improvement of screen reader compatibility
• Optimisation of keyboard use
• Improvement in colour contrast and alternative texts
• Establishing a sustainable strategy for future measures.
• Detailed improvements in various areas

What remains to be done?

• Checking and improvement of accessibility of forms
• Strategy for accessible use of online ticketing service
• Strategy on 'plain language'
• Further detailed improvements

Why do we not use an Overlay Tool?

Bayer 04 has looked intensively at overlay tools and come to the conclusion that an accessible website does not need overlay. On the contrary: Such tools can create additional barriers as confirmed by experts including those from the EU Commission. More on the subject of overlay tools. (in German)

contact and Feedback

Bayer 04 is always open to constructive feedback and is happy to receive ideas for further improvement in digital accessibility. If barriers appear or there are suggestions for improvement contact can be made via: barrierefreiheit@bayer04.de and the contact form below.

This statement was produced on 25 June 2025​