Coronavirus update

4 August, 16.05 CET: Clubs wave through measures for possible return of fans

At a virtual DFL general meeting on Tuesday, representatives of the 36 professional clubs in Germany agreed significant measures on the possible return of fans to stadiums. Up to the end of October there will be no standing and no alcohol sales at the match venues and, up to the end of the year, there will be no away fans. In addition, the contact details of all spectators will be collected to be able to prevent the spread of infection.

Fernando Carro, chairman of the board at Bayer 04, said: “The results of the meeting reflect common sense and sense of responsibility that the league demonstrated earlier in the year. With the confidence we were able to justify back then, we all now have to be smart and careful in taking the second step. We will feed the decisions of the DFL into our own plans for games at the BayArena and work with the City of Leverkusen and the local health authorities.”

The ultimate power of decision making on the return of spectators, possibly for the planned Bundesliga start on 18 September, is the remit of the political authorities. The state health ministers will discuss the issue at a conference next Monday. 

13 July, 9.05 CET: PSG play friendly in front of crowd

After a four-month lockdown due to the coronavrius pandemic, the French serial champions Paris St. Germain returned to match action on Sunday, 12 July – and in front of a crowd. Some 5,000 fans, maintaining social distancing and wearing face coverings, watched Thomas Tuchel's team win a friendly 9-0 against second division AC Le Havre. This match – the only one up to now in a country of the top five league leagues played in front of fans– marks the start of preparations by PSG for the Champions League finals tournament in Lisbon. The French league is the only one in Europe to end their season early in the middle of March.

7 July, 17.00 CET: ECA: Clubs lose billions due to coronavirus

Following a random analysis of ten European leagues - including the Bundesliga and the Premier League - the European Club Association (ECA) is expecting a loss of income for European professional clubs of four billion euros. The loss resulting from the coronavirus pandemic for the current 2019/20 season is around 1.6 billion euros, and the ECA is expecting losses of 2.4 billion euros for next season. A major factor is the loss of income from ticket sales.

25 June, 12.35 CET: Netherlands games with fans from September – but without singing

As announced this week by the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, professional football in Germany's neighbour will be played in front of crowds from September with massive restrictions. There has to be a minimum distance between spectators and the talk is of a third of the current capacities at grounds. A ban on singing is also envisaged. The Dutch top-flight was suspended at the end of April.

18 June, 10.55 CET: DFB Cup final behind closed doors: Berlin Senate rejects application

As announced by the German Football Association (DFB) on Wednesday, the DFB Cup final at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin will definitely be played behind closed doors. The DFB had applied to the Berlin Senate to allow 5,000 fans from each club to attend the final between the Werkself and FC Bayern. Currently, and at least to 30 August, large-scale events with over 1,000 people are prohibited. The cup final is on 4 July (kick-off: 20.00 CET).

17 June, 12.30 CET: DFL, DFB and clubs promote Coronavirus app

The coronavirus app has been available to download from this week. The DFL, clubs and DFB have all committed to supporting the Federal Government in the announcement of the introduction of the app aimed at controlling the coronavirus. On matchdays 33 and 34 in the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2, all clubs will have the competition logo on the shirt sleeves replaced by the logo for the app. The same applies to the substitute boards, kit as well as the corner flags. There will also be advertising opportunities at the DFB Cup final between Bayer 04 and FC Bayern on 4 July (kick-off: 20.00 CET).

17 June, 12.15 CET: Majority of fans accept games behind closed doors

Playing matches behind closed doors in German professional football is attracting more support from supporters than compared with a few weeks ago. A survey held by ARD-Magazin’s Sportschau Thema revealed 52 per cent of the respondents said the restart of fixtures was ‘right’. 37 per cent rejected that view. At the start of May, only 36 per cent were in favour of games being played behind closed behind doors. The Bundesliga was the first major European league to restart fixtures after the onset of coronavirus in the middle of May with a comprehensive hygiene protocol.

10 June, 16.30 CET: DFB and DFL coordinate hygiene regulations

No more masks for substitutes and staff and – in addition to rights holders – 26 members of the media in the ground instead of the previous number of 13. The DFB and the DFL today announced first moves to coordinate the hygiene regulations for their competitions including the Bundesliga. These apply from this weekend and are due to last to the end of the season. The next Bundesliga game for the Werkself is at Schalke 04 on Sunday night (kick-off: 18.00 CET).

10 June, 16.10 CET: USA restart season at Disney World

The restart of the season has been confirmed on the other side of the Atlantic: The Major League Soccer (MLS) is set to restart at Disney World in Orlando/Florida. From 8 July to 11 August, the 26 teams will compete in a knock-out tournament with group stage followed by a Round of 16 to determine the champions. As in Germany, all the games will be played behind closed doors. The MLS suspended fixtures on 12 March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

10 June, 12.05 CET: La Liga restarts tomorrow

Following on from the Bundesliga, the Primera Division in Spain is the second major football league in Europe to resume fixtures since the suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic. The first match is tomorrow night’s Seville derby between Sevilla FC and Real Betis (kick-off: 22.00 CET). Spain is also subject to strict hygiene regulations and the remaining eleven matchdays are due to be played within five weeks. All La Liga games will be broadcast in Germany by the streaming service DAZN.

7 June, 15.20 CET: Seehofer: ‘Spectators to return gradually’ in the new season

Federal Minister of the Interior Horst Seehofer has given football fans hopes of a return to stadiums in the near future. "I'm already confident that we will be able to allow spectators to return gradually in the new season," said the CSU politician in an interview with newspapers in the Funke media group. "Not as before the coronavirus pandemic but with reduced numbers of spectators so that social distancing can be maintained between visitors to the stadiums." Large-scale events are banned in Germany until at least 31 August.

5 June, 16.00 CET: French transfer window opens 8 June

The French league association LFP today announced that transfers will be possible from 8 June within France. The reason: Germany’s neighbours have already ended the 2019/20 season due to the coronavirus pandemic. It remains to be seen when FIFA will allow international transfers. The transfer window, that normally closes at the end of August or the start of September, will remain open to the end of September this year to give clubs still playing (for example in Germany, Austria and England) enough time to transfer players in and out.

2 June, 17.35 CET: Bierhoff wants to educate Germany players about conspiracy theories

DFB director Oliver Bierhoff is planning to do educational work with the Germany team on conspiracy theories, which are attracting increasing support during the coronavirus pandemic. “As the DFB, we have a code of values that covers mutual respect, tolerance and solidarity. That is incompatible with the nonsense of conspiracies.” Bierhoff sees the forthcoming international break as a possible opportunity to carry out the training that will see players deal with the issue through lectures and discussions.

29 May, 13.55 CET: Switzerland starts on 19 June

More and more European football leagues are planning to restart – that now includes Switzerland. Football action returns in the top two divisions in Germany’s neighbour from 19 June. Strict hygiene regulations also apply in Switzerland and the games will also be played behind closed doors. As in the Bundesliga, five instead of three substitutions are permitted. Fixtures were suspended at the start of March due to the coronavirus pandemic. FC St. Gallen and Young Boys Bern are equal top of the Super League on 45 points. The top two divisions each have ten teams.

28 May, 19.20 CET: Premier League to restart

The clubs in the Premier League have agreed 17 June as the start date for the resumption of the current league campaign. Two rearranged games are planned for starters and the first full matchday will be played from 19-21 June. All the remaining fixtures will be played behind closed doors. As in the Bundesliga, there are stringent hygiene regulations with players and staff regularly tested for coronavirus. Liverpool need two points to win their first league title in 30 years.

28 May, 19.15 CET: No detailed ruling for enforced suspension of season

The DFL management committee today discussed the scenario of a possible unavoidable suspension of the Bundesliga at an emergency session. The committee did not set out a detailed ruling. In the event of a final suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic, using the table before the winter break to decide the final positions or the cancellation of the season have been ruled out. Every effort is to be made to complete the season on the pitch, according to the DFL. In the Bundesliga, three matchdays have been completed subject to the coronavirus conditions and there are six games to be played.

 

 

26 May, 16.15 CET: Confirmed: DFB Cup semi-final in Völklingen

Saarland’s state government has given the green light for the DFB Cup semi-final between Regional League FC Saarbrücken and Bayer 04 to be played in Völklingen. The last four tie will be on 9 or 10 June. There was a question about being able to adhere to the coronavirus regulations at the Hermann Neuberger Stadium. FCS are playing in Völklingen this season due to the rebuilding of their Ludwigspark ground and they are the first team from the fourth tier to reach the DFB cup semi-finals. The other semi-final is between Bayern Munich and Eintracht Frankfurt.

23 May, 12.00 CET: Women's DFB Cup quarter-finals confirmed

The German Football Association (DFB) has confirmed details for the quarter-final ties in the Women's DFB Cup. The matches will be played on 2 and 3 June with Bayer 04 entertaining TSG Hoffenheim in the only match on the Tuesday (14.00 CET). Wednesday brings the games between second division Arminia Bielefeld and Bundesliga team SC Sand (13.00 CET), Turbine Potsdam and SGS Essen (14.00 CET) and second division FSV Gütersloh against holders VfL Wolfsburg (19.00 CET). The draw for the semi-finals will be made next Tuesday (26 May) with the ties played on 10 and 11 June. The final will be played in Cologne on 4 July.

20 May, 19.30 CET: Women’s Bundesliga restart on 29 May

The FLYERALARM Women’s Bundesliga and the Women’s DFB Cup will restart from 29 May 2020. In many of the federal states there is now approval for the resumption of fixtures, including for the Women’s Bundesliga. From 30 May, physical-contact sports will again be permitted in North Rhine-Westphalia. The Bayer 04 Women’s team return to action with a home game against MSV Duisburg. Click HERE for further info. 

20 May, 16.30 CET: Minute’s silence for the victims of the coronavirus pandemic

Victims of the coronavirus pandemic will be remembered by German professional football on the next two matchdays. As announced by the German Football League (DFL) on Wednesday, the teams in the top two divisions will hold a minute’s silence before kick-off in their games. In addition, all teams will wear black arm bands. “The spread of coronavirus has already claimed the lives of many people worldwide. German professional football wants to express condolences together on the next two matchdays,” said DFL CEO Christian Seifert.

20 May, 11.20 CET: Estonia’s top flight returns

More and more European leagues are returning after weeks of suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic. It was announced last night that the Premium Liiga, Estonia’s top flight, is set to restart. The fixtures in the Baltic state will also initially be played behind closed doors but 1,000 spectators will be allowed per game from the start of July. The Bundesliga was the first top European league to return last weekend under strict hygiene regulations. Czechia and Austria have also announced the restart of their seasons.

19 May, 14.35 CET: Bavarian government gives green light for DFB Cup and Women's Bundesliga

The Bavarian state government today announced that DFB Cup, the Women's Bundesliga and third division games could take place in Bavaria providing hygiene regulations are adhered to. That means the DFB Cup semi-final between Bayern Munich and Eintracht Frankfurt (9 or 10 June) can be played at the Allianz Arena in Munich. Up to now the government in Saarland has not announced any information on the other semi-final between Regional League FC Saarbrücken and Bayer 04. The DFB Cup final in Berlin is set to be played on 4 July. The DFB has closely followed the DFL in its hygiene and health and safety plan for its competitions. That was how the Bundesliga restarted last weekend.

19 May, 08.20 CET: UEFA to discuss Europa League on 17 June

UEFA has postponed the meeting of the executive committee due on 27 May to 17 June. The reason for that concerns relating to several other venues for the European Championship postponed to the summer of 2021. The meeting in the middle of June could also deal with the currently suspended Champions and Europa League ties. Bayer 04 beat Glasgow Rangers 3-1 in the Round of 16 first leg in the Europa League. The clash in Scotland was the last European game for the Werkself before the suspension of play due to coronavirus.

18 May, 17.30 CET: Bayer 04 on Amazon Prime Video

As announced by Amazon a few hours ago, today's Werkself match at Werder Bremen (kick-off: 20.30 CET) will be on Amazon Prime Video as well as the DAZN streaming service. Bayer 04 will also broadcast a live match day show on YouTube and Facebook with Werkself Radio commentating on the game live from the Schwadbud.

18 May, 14.15 CET: Seehofer praises football after Bundesliga restart

Federal Minister of the Interior Horst Seehofer expressed approval of events over the weekend following the resumption of play in Germany's top two leagues. "Thanks to the professional attitude of the teams and the levelheadedness of the fans, I see the safety concept of the DFL confirmed in an impressive manner," said the CSU politician today. "Enjoying football and infection protection should not be mutually exclusive." The Bundesliga is the first top league in Europe to start again under strict conditions after suspension play due to the coronavirus pandemic. Bayer 04 end the first matchday play behind closed doors in the history of the league with an away game at Werder Bremen (kick-off: 20.30 CET).

17 May, 14.15 CET: Sky record numbers for Bundesliga restart

Over five million fans watched the live coverage of yesterday’s Bundesliga games on Sky and that marks a record number of viewers for the pay-TV channel. Sky broadcast the Saturday multi-coverage in Germany’s top flight, including free-to-air on Sky Sport News HD. Bayer 04 return to action tomorrow at Werder Bremen to end matchday 26 (kick-off: 20.30 CET, live on DAZN and on Werkself Radio (at bayer04.de).

17 May, 10.20 CET: NRW Minister-President Laschet: ‘Restart has been worth it’

The Bundesliga returned yesterday after a 66-day break due to the coronavirus pandemic. The professional clubs have to adhere to strict hygiene regulations. North Rhine-Westphalia Minister-President Armin Laschet has drawn an initial positive conclusion to the implementation of the guidelines. “The restart has been worth it. It’s exactly the right, careful step towards a responsible normality we all want,” the 59-year-old said to the Bild newspaper after yesterday’s games. Bayer 04 return to action tomorrow night after the enforced two-month break with an away match at Werder Bremen (kick-off: 20.30 CET).

14 May, 16.30 CET: DFL announces details of Bundesliga matchdays 27 to 29.

The German Football League (DFL) today announced the details of Bundesliga matchdays 27 to 29. Bayer 04 are away to Borussia Mönchengladbach, 23 May (kick-off: 15.30 CET). That’s followed by the home game against VfL Wolfsburg on 26 May and the away fixture at SC Freiburg (29 May). Both games kick-off at 20.30 CET.

14 May, 16.00 CET: DFL: Season can end in July – five subs possible 

At today’s DFL general meeting of the 36 professional clubs, the unanimous decision was taken to complete the current season – provided there is legal approval – and, if necessary, beyond 30 June. In addition, the medical concept for training and fixtures has been accepted as an appendix to the DFL match regulations. Furthermore, five substitutions per team are permitted for this season with immediate effect and there will be three opportunities in the match. It is also possible in the current campaign that fixtures can be played at a different venue at short notice due to emergencies, organisational and/or health and safety reasons.

13 May, 17.40 CET: Austrian football also returns

Following on from the Bundesliga and the Czech Fortuna Liga, the Austrian competitions are also set to restart. As announced by the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB) today, the cup final on 29 May – title holders RB Salzburg face second division Austria Lustenau behind closed doors – marks the return to action. The Austrian Bundesliga will follow at the start of June. Strict hygiene and safety regulations are planned for the restart. The government has given the green light to games being played behind closed doors from June.

13 May, 10.00 CET: Czech league restarts on 23 May

The Czech Fortuna Liga is set to return a week after the Bundesliga restart. The league association LFA announced the top flight in Germany’s neighbour will begin again with a rearranged fixture on 23 May. The Czech first division has six matchdays left. Each team will then have three to five games in a championship decider, Europa League and relegation play-offs. And the second division season will also restart. The Czech professional leagues were suspended in the middle of March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

12 May, 11.30 CET: Further decisions: DFL general meeting on 14 May

The DFL meet on Thursday, 14 May via video conference as part of an extraordinary general meeting with the 36 German professional clubs. In addition to general information about the current situation, there should also be binding integration of the Sports Medicine/Special Match Operations Task Force protocol as an attachment to the match regulations. A decision is also due to made on the possible increase of substitutions to five players for the current season.

 

11 May. 22.30 CET: Werkself arrive at hotel

The immediate preparations for the Bundesliga restart have begun. To satisfy the quarantine guidelines required to resume playing matches, Bayer 04 checked in at the Hotel Große Ledder in Wermelskirchen on Monday night as the accommodation for the training camp that lasts until next Sunday. In front of the hotel in the Bergisches Land, Bayer 04 CEO Fernando Carro spoke to journalists and replied to their questions while maintaining social distancing requirements. HERE is the full article.

 

11 May, 17.15 CET: DFB announces fixture dates for DFB Cup and Women’s Bundesliga

Following the management committee meeting on Monday, the DFB has confirmed the resumption of their competitions. Accordingly, the Werkself will play the DFB Cup semi-final tie at Regional League side FC Saarbrücken on 9 or 10 June. The cup final in Berlin is planned to be on 4 July. The Bayer 04 Women could restart their league campaign on 29 May. All decisions have been made subject to relevant official pronouncements. The resumption of fixtures is to be made according to the DFL protocol of the Sports Medicine/Special Match Operations Task Force.

11 May, 17.00 CET: First coronavirus testing for Bundesliga referees

In preparation for next weekend’s Bundesliga restart, the DFB started to test their top referees for the coronavirus today (Monday). The match officials appointed for matchday 26 will be retested the day before the game they are in charge of. To cover the possibility of a positive or inconclusive result, “a small number of people in reserve” will also be tested, said Lutz Michael Fröhlich, sporting director of the elite referees.

10 May, 15.30 CET: Werkself at training camp on Monday

Training staff, the first team squad and management of Bayer 04 will start a training camp at the Hotel Große Ledder in Wermelskirchen from Monday 11 May. The club is following the quarantine guidelines required by the DFL for the resumption of Bundesliga fixtures. The group will travel to Bremen on Sunday afternoon (17 May). The Werkself face Werder Bremen in the Hanseatic city at the end of matchday 26 on Monday, 18 May at 20.30 CET. Click HERE for further details.

8 May, 19.00 CET: DFB presents hygiene concepts for DFB Cup and Women’s Bundesliga

The DFB published the hygiene concepts required for restarting its competitions on Friday. For the men’s DFB Cup, where Bayer 04 face FC Saarbrücken in the semi-finals, the identical concept applies as used in the Bundesliga. In the Women’s Bundesliga, the Women’s DFB Cup and the third division there is a lower requirement for staff. For the resumption of full training, the same guidelines apply to the clubs as in the Bundesliga. That means the Bayer 04 Women’s team also undergo regular coronavirus testing. Whether the Women’s Bundesliga and the third division restart or not will be decided by the DFB at an extraordinary general meeting on 25 May.

8 May, 15.00 CET: IFAB allows five substitutions – DFL considers rule change

The European football ruling body, IFAB, has officially approved the increase from three to five substitutions per game. That was announced by FIFA and IFAB today (Friday). The new rule can immediately be adopted in all European competitions to be completed by the end of the year. This is designed to protect players during the coronavirus pandemic from the expected increased numbers of games. The DFL considered the rule change yesterday. In addition, the use of VAR can be set aside by the organisers of competitions.

7 May, 18.26 CET: International media response to Bundesliga restart

The resumption of the Bundesliga has drawn an overwhelmingly positive response in the media in Europe and across the globe. The Italian Corriere della Sera  reports: "The locomotive of European football is rolling again. The decision of Germany's Federal Chancellor Merkel to give the green light for the Bundesliga restart has thrown up several questions in relation to safety regulations but is perceived by European leagues with relief." Tuttosport (Italy) adds: "Italy's Serie A has taken heart that Merkel's example will have a positive influence on future decisions of the Italian government regarding the resumption of the championship." The Spanish El Mundo also sees in the resumption of the Bundesliga as "an important decision for other leagues." The French journal L'Equipe reports: "The Bundesliga is the first league to rise up from the health crisis and is certain of worldwide respect." "The restart in Germany gives the rest of Europe new hope," is the view of the Japan Times.

7 May, 15.25 CET: DFL announce date for allocation of media rights

DFL CEO Christian Seifert announced on Thursday that the allocation of media rights in German professional football in German-speaking countries will be completed from 8 to 19 June. This applies to the four seasons from 2021/22 to 2024/25. The auction was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. It was originally due to take place from 27 April to 8 May.

6 May, 18.55 CET: Rolfes after restart decision: ‘Sign of confidence’

Bayer 04 sporting director Simon Rolfes shared his views on the restart to the Bundesliga 2019/20 campaign in an online pres conference following the decision made by the heads of the federal and state governments via a video conference. “We’re happy about the decision. It’s a sign of the confidence of the politicians in the concept of the DFL that prescribes the organisational and hygienic requirements,” said the 38-yer-old. Rolfes also addressed possibilty of fans gathering outside stadiums and the next steps ahead of the first league gamesince the beginning of March. HERE is the full article.

6 May, 15.55 CET: Politicians approve Bundesliga restart

The 2019/20 Bundesliga season is set to continue. At a video conference with Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel and the state minister presidents in Berlin on Wednesday, it was decided to make the way clear for the restart of the Bundesliga and second division after the suspension in the middle of March. It remains to be seen exactly when the games behind closed doors will be played. That decision rests with the German Football League (DFL) at an extraordinary general meeting with representatives of the 36 professional clubs to be held tomorrow (Thursday).

5 May, 13.00 CET: Women’s team start training in pairs

The Bayer 04 Bundesliga Women’s team returned to training ground today (Tuesday). Training in small groups at different times at Kurtekotten twice a week; the rest of the athletic drills are completed individually at home. A maximum of two teams of two take part in a session on the pitch with each duo having a dedicated person in charge in head coach Achim Feifel and assistant coach Jacqueline Dünker. Training is carried out in accordance with all offical reuirements and internal rules produced by Dr. Karl-Heinrich Dittmar, medical director and pandemics offcier at Bayer 04. For example, getting changed and showered is banned at the training ground; each player has their own ball and training kit, which have to be disinfected before and after every session. Each training session begins with health and safety measures including taking temperatures and sanitising hands.

4 May, 17.15 CET: 10 of 1,724 coronavirus tests positive

The first coronavirus tests at the 36 professional clubs in the Bundesliga and the second division have produced ten positive out of a total of 1,724 tests. That was announced by the German Football League (DFL) today (Monday). The positive cases have been reported to the relevant health authorities and appropriate action taken immediately including isolation of those affected. The first laboratory results for all tests on the Bayer 04 players, coaching and support staff proved to be negative. In accordance with the Sports Medicine/Special Match Operations Task Force, the testing is a precondition for the resumption of full training.

2 May, 18.45 CET: First coronavirus tests at Bayer 04 negative

The Bayer 04 players plus coaching and support staff were tested for coronavirus for the first time on Thursday in accordance with the DFL health guidelines. The result: The laboratory analysis of all the tests was negative. The testing, as per the medical plan of the ‘Sports Medicine/Special Match Operations Task Force’’, is a precondition for a possible resumption of full training. Due to the coronavirus regulations, Bayer 04 have been training in small groups at Bismarckstraße since 1 April.

30 April, 20.15 CET:  Women's Bundesliga clubs support restart

At an extraordinary managers meeting of the clubs in the FLYERALARM Women's Bundesliga, eleven out of twelve clubs voted in favour of continuing the season with strict adherence to health and safety measures providing there is official permission as well as political approval. One club abstained. Fixtures in the FLYERALARM Women's Bundesliga have been suspended since 30 April due to the coronavirus pandemic.

30 April, 18.15 CET: Merkel: "We will make a clear decision" on 6 May

The federal and state governments are looking to produce a plan for restarting sport by the next video conference on Wednesday, 6 May. "Then we will make a clear decision regarding sporting activities," said Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel at the conference with the 16 heads of state government in Germany.

30 April, 16.10 CET: Start of testing as precondition for return to full training

The current coronavirus testing for Bundesliga players is to happen regardless of the possible timing of the resumption of fixtures. That was announced by the German Football League (DFL) today. That means the 36 German professional clubs have agreed a precondition for the potential resumption of training in accordance with the medical plan of the ‘Sports Medicine/Special Match Operations Task Force’. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Bayer 04 have trained in small groups since 1 April.

30 April, 14.00 CET: Women’s DFB Cup ties postponed

The Women’s DFB cup final has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The final was due to played in Cologne on 30 May 2020. Against the background of the suspension of the current season in Germany and the unanswered question of when it will start again, the final as well as the quarter-finals and semis still have to be played. The Bayer 04 Women’s team were due to entertain TSG Hoffenheim in the quarter-finals on Saturday, 21 March.

30 April, 13.40 CET: DFB calls extraordinary general meeting

The management committee of the German Football Association (DFB) has called an extraordinary general meeting on 25 May in a written circular. The key issue is the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on German football. There will be discussions and resolutions on the resumption or possible cancellation of DFB leagues (third division, FLYERALARM Women’s Bundesliga, Women’s Bundesliga second division, male and female youth Bundesliga) including decisions required on promotion and relegation and any necessary changes to statutes. There will also be discussion of the economic and game-specific effects on fixtures.

30 April, 12:00 CET: Fan shops in Wiesdorf and Bergisch Gladbach to reopen

Since Monday, shops in North Rhine-Westphalia with a sales area of up to 800 m² have been allowed to open again. After enforced closure due to the coronavirus epidemic, the lights will go on again at the Bayer 04 shops in Bergisch Gladbach and Wiesdorf from Saturday, 2 May. The shop at the BayArena remains closed for the time being. Bayer 04 have introduced all necessary safety measures to protect all customers and staff.

28 April, 18.30 CET: DFL plans new taskforce

The German Football League wants to set up a ‘Future taskforce’. The aim is to identify concrete measures and new guidelines for the future from the autumn. “The subject for discussion at every management committee meeting recently: What can we learn from this crisis, what do we have to think about? The list gets longer at every meeting,” said DFL CEO Christian Seifert to the FAZ. “We don’t just want to get through the crisis somehow and then carry on as before.”

28 April, 09.30 CET: Over two thirds of fans for season restart

The German Football League (DFL) plan to restart the Bundesliga campaign has gained the support of a majority fans. A representative survey by bundesligabarometer.de has revealed that almost 70 per cent of 5,300 people who responded were in favour a Bundesliga restart as soon as possible – while following the guidelines drawn up by the DFL. A decision on a possible resumption of the Bundesliga in May will be made by the political authorities in the coming days.

26 April, 10.10 CET: Vice chancellor Scholz for Bundesliga restart ‘in second half of May’

Vice chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) has spoken out in favour of a restart of the Bundesliga season “in the second half of May, providing it takes athletes and coaches into account.” Meanwhile, the federal employment minister Hubertus Heil (SPD) expressed his opposition to the compulsory wearing of face masks in football in an interview with the Bild am Sonntag newspaper: “I can’t imagine games with face masks. We are currently working constructively on other practical solutions.” Heil’s ministry is responsible for the assessment of occupational health and safety for professional footballers. The political authorities will make a decision on the possibility of restating the Bundesliga season in May in the next few days.

24 April, 13.00 CET: Update on DFB Cup semis and final

The management committee of the German Football Association (DFB) announced via video conference that the DFB Cup final is postponed to a date to be confirmed due to the corona virus pandemic. The final was originally due to be played at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin on 23 May. There are currently no dates for the two semi-finals between Bayer 04 and Regional League side FC Saarbrücken as well as Bayern Munich against Eintracht Frankfurt. The semi-finals were due to be played this week.

23 April, 17.30 CET: Appeal to fans: No meeting in front of stadiums

The DFL leadership and the German police trade union (GdP) have made an urgent appeal to fans not to gather in front of stadiums in the event of the season restarting behind closed doors. Gatherings could lead to matches being abandoned and decisions being taken behind the scenes, said DFL boss Christian Seifert on Thursday. A similar assessment of matches without fans was made by the federal deputy chair of the GdP, Jörg Radek, "with pandemics we must not allow people to assemble in front of stadiums. Due to the increased risk of infection for every football supporter, this is not only forbidden but also irresponsible."

23 April, 16.30 CET: DFL receives media finance and supports League 3 and the Women's Bundesliga

The German Football League (DFL) has received the majority of outstanding media payments for this season from the rights holders. According to the DFL CEO, Christian Seifert, this secures the solvency of the 36 professional clubs up to 30 June. In addition, the DFL general meeting approved a medical plan as well as guidelines on stadium organisation to be able to complete this season's outstanding fixtures behind closed doors. Whether or not a restart as possible in May will be decided by the political authorities in the coming days.

Seifert also announced that a payment of €7.5 million would be made to League 3 and the FLYERALARM Women's Bundesliga, which the Bayer 04 Women play in. "The management committee thanks the Champions League clubs for the initiative to set up a solidarity fund," Seifert added. Bayer 04 have joined Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig in making €20 million available.

23 April, 15.30 CET: Clubs receive player release fees from UEFA

UEFA is providing financial support for clubs during the coronavirus pandemic. A total of 676 clubs are already receiving the combined sum of €70 million for releasing their players for the European Championship qualifiers and the Nations League – up to €630,000 depending on the number of players released. A further €130 million will be given to clubs who release players for the European Championship next year. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin: "During these difficult times, it's our job to let clubs have the money as soon as possible."

23 April, 11.00 CET: Information on ticket refunds

In the battle against coronavirus, the federal and state heads of government have forbidden all large-scale events until at least 31 August 2020. The order also applies to football matches played in front of spectators. Bayer 04 Leverkusen have therefore decided not to resume ticket sales for this season. Instead, anyone who has purchased a ticket can now apply to have the cost of the tickets refunded. Or Bayer 04 will donate the value of the match tickets to two charitable organisations. This applies to the home games against Glasgow Rangers, VfL Wolfsburg, Bayern Munich, FC Köln and FSV Mainz 05 as well as the away fixtures against Werder Bremen, Borussia Mönchengladbach and SC Freiburg.

22 April, 13.00 CET: City of Leverkusen introduces compulsory mask wearing from Monday

The City of Leverkusen action committee have decided to introduce compulsory mask wearing. This applies to residents from the age of five from Monday 27 April. Mouth and nose protectors must always be worn, “if services are used and the minimum distance of 1.5 metres cannot be maintained,” said Marc Adomat, the head of the action committee. “It’s all about reducing the potential of droplet transmission through coughing, sneezing and talking in Leverkusen.” Compulsory mask wearing applies in retail premises, on public transport as well as in city council buildings.

21 April, 10.20 CET: Belgium’s top-flight clubs delay decision on ending season

The Belgian professional clubs have again delayed the final decision on ending the Jupiler Pro League season early. As the Belgian government has announced a statement on large scale events behind closed doors will be made on Friday, the clubs have delayed their vote to Friday, 27 April. The background: The Belgian league commission suggested terminating the season early due to coronavirus at the end of March. After that, the UEFA president, Aleksander Ceferin, said that put at risk the participation of Belgian clubs in the European competitions in 2020/21.

20 April, 21.00 CET: Minister presidents say games behind closed doors possible

Bundesliga football without crowds - according to sports ministers, that should be possible from the middle to the end of May. Two heads of state governments gave a date for the resumption of fixtures. Markus Söder (CSU) and Armin Laschet (CDU), the minister presidents of Bavaria and North-Rhine Westphalia, stated 9 May as a possible date for the resumption of Bundesliga fixtures behind closed doors. “What the DFL has presented in recent days shows there are protective measures. I could imagine that we could return with games behind closed doors,” said Laschet. The Bundesliga and second division are suspended until 30 April. The German Football League (DFL) wants to discuss further steps and a possible continuation of the season behind closed doors on Thursday.

17 April, 14.20 CET: Gutensohn: Enough tests for ending the season

The plan of the Bundesliga, to complete the season in an orderly manner with the help of coronavirus tests, should not fail due to problems with laboratory capacities. That is the assessment of professor Kai Gutensohn from the medical-diagnostic service provider amedes. “I’d like to say at this point: Yes, we an do it. Particularly at the weekends because there is less input from the out-patient sector,” Gutensohn reported to the Mitteldeutsche Zeitung. 110,000 PCR tests are carried out every day in Germany with the results available four to six hours later.

17 April, 09.00 CET: Austria's league boss believes resumption of games in May is "absolutely realistic"

Austria is considering the resumption of league football in the middle of May. "I believe it is absolutely realistic," said the Austria Bundesliga boss Christian Ebenbauer. The 12 teams in the league are to resume training in groups of six players in the coming week. The Austrian top-flight has been suspended since 8 March due to the corona virus epidemic.

16 April, 16.40 CET: EVL half marathon cancelled

The anniversary event of the EVL half marathon in Leverkusen will not now take place. With the cancellation of the 20th run, that was planned for 21 June, the organisers Sportpark Leverkusen have reacted to a joint decision by the federal and state governments that bans all large-scale events up to 31 August at the earliest. The runners’ route traditionally takes in the BayArena. The anniversary event is planned to be held next year on 13 June 2021.

16 April, 16.30 CET: Söder believes games behind closed doors are "feasible"

Bavaria's minister president Markus Söder has given German professional football hopes of a continuation of the season without supporters. "Over the coming weeks, we will discuss whether games behind closed doors are possible. I believe that is feasible," said the 53-year-old. The DFL is currently working on an "intensive and very good hygiene plan." In relation to football, Söder also highlighted the "relevance not only in terms of finance but also psychological effects." The Bundesliga is currently suspended until 30 April at the earliest. The DFL general meeting meets on Thursday, 23 April.

14 April, 18.30 CET: Rolfes: ‘Football is a basis of existence for many people’

In an interview with RTL/ntv, Bayer 04 sporting director Simon Rolfes spoke about the possible resumption of the Bundesliga. “It’s our duty, as the people responsible for the league, to see how we can move on,” the 38-year-old said. Football is “not just pure entertainment. We mustn’t forget that over 65,000 jobs depend on the Bundesliga and it can’t just be limited to the professional players. Football is a basis of existence for many people in Germany.”

14 April, 16.30 CET: DFL and UEFA to meet on 23 April

The German Football League has moved their general meeting from Friday 17 April to 23 April. The reason given is that “clubs and the DFL need additional time for intensive preparation to be able to make impending decisions.” The Bundesliga is currently suspended to 30 April at the earliest. The executive committee of UEFA has also set the same date for their conference. Before that, discussions are due to be held with the general secretaries of 55 national associations plus leagues and clubs.

14 April, 11.55 CET: Fans for Bundesliga in May

According to an online survey by bundesligabarometer.de, two thirds of fans of Bundesliga clubs questioned were in favour of the season restarting in May. The proviso is that it is feasible from a medical point of view. Over 80 per cent of respondents accepted the resumption of training by top-flight clubs. The Werkself are running sessions in small groups at Bismarckstraße. The Bundesliga is currently suspended until 30 April at the earliest.

8 April, 12.30 CET: Amended licensing procedure for Women's Bundesliga

As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the DFB management committee have decided to make comprehensive changes to the current licensing procedure for the 2020/21 season in the FLYERALARM Women's Bundesliga – plus the third division. The DFB will not examine the liquidity situation for the coming season. If financial deficits cannot be made up then there will be no point deductions. Other measures such as transfer requirements etc would then be possible. The Bayer 04 Women are currently placed ninth in the Women's Bundesliga.

7 April, 20.30 CET: FIFA extends transfer window

Due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, FIFA has decided to extend the season beyond 30 June. Player contracts due to run out in the summer are to carry on "to the effective end of the season". Contracts due to start in the new season should only apply, "when the season actually begins." FIFA also announced the desire to find flexible solutions with transfer windows, "so that the relevant transfer windows can be put back between the end of the old season and the start of the new season." Up to now, the summer transfer window begins on 1 July and ends with most leagues – including the Bundesliga and the second division in Germany – on 31 August.

7 April, 16.20 CET: Carro: 'Ending the season is not an option'

Fernando Carro, Bayer 04 CEO, declared in an interview with the Spanish journal 'Marca' that ending the current Bundesliga season due to the coronavirus pandemic is "not an option". "Our aim is for the Bundesliga to survive with 18 clubs," said the 55-year-old who also considers the completion of European competitions to be important. The Werkself beat Glasgow Rangers 3-1 in the first leg of the Europa League Round of 16.

7 April, 12:30 CET: NRW Minister President: ‘We need consensus’

The North Rhine-Westphalia Minister President Armin Laschet has announced discussions on restarting the season in the top two divisions in Germany behind closed doors next week. “We need consensus,” added Laschet. “The Bundesliga might start again in the foreseeable future. But one thing is clear: without spectators! We won’t see large-scale events with thousands of people in the coming weeks and months.” FDP politician Wolfgang Kubicki has also advocated games behind closed doors. The Bundestag Vice President said to Sky Sport News HD: “That has to be possible. Especially if we can determine through fast tests that none of the players are infected and there is no possibility of setting off a new chain of infection.”

7 April, 12.05 CET: DFL CEO on the importance of playing games behind closed doors

DFL CEO Christian Seifert has emphasised the importance of playing matches behind closed doors in an interview with weekly newspaper ‘Die Zeit’; above all in view of the people who are directly or indirectly involved in professional football. The 50-year-old is well aware that a resumption of fixtures in the Bundesliga and second division could “raise questions” with amateur players. “On the other hand, the professional game has completely different parameters from amateur football,” added Seifert. Professional football in Germany is currently suspended to 30 April at the earliest. The DFL is looking to complete the season by 30 June.

6 April, 19.10 CET: Majority of football fans in favour of games behind closed doors

A survey by the opinion research institute Forsa on behalf of RTL and n-tv has revealed that 60 per cent of the football fans questioned are in favour of the top two divisions in Germany being resumed in May behind closed doors. Only 24 per cent are against. Professional football in Germany is currently suspended to 30 April at the earliest due to the coronavirus pandemic.

5 April, 13.30 CET: Havertz donates to aid project

Kai Havertz is supporting the ‘We Kick Corona’ project set up by fellow professionals Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich (both FC Bayern Munich). The 20-year-old is the sixth Werkself player, following on from Sven and Lars Bender, Jonathan Tah, Mitchell Weiser and Nadiem Amiri to donate to the campaign in aid of community and charitable organisations. 3.7 million euros have been raised to date.

3 April, 16.15 CET: Bundesliga youth leagues and amateur leagues suspended for indefinite period

Fixtures in the Bundesliga youth leagues are suspended for an indefinite period. A resumption of matches is to be announced with at least two weeks notice. That was agreed between the DFB Youth Committee and the DFB Committee for Women's and Girls football as the appropriate bodies in agreement with the clubs. Future activity is dependent on approval from the authorities. In addition, the presidents of the regional and state associations at their most recent meeting have decided to suspend amateur football across Germany until further notice due to the relevant state regulations. Again resumption of play is to be announced with at least 14 days notice.

3 April, 16.00 CET: Women's DFB Cup suspended to 30 April

The Women's DFB Cup has been suspended to 30 April due to the coronavirus crisis. The DFB Committee for Women's and Girls football is following the action of the third division and the FLYERALARM women's Bundesliga. The relevant committees decided on suspending fixtures to 30 April a few days ago. When and in what form the Women's DFB Cup will be played depends on decisions by the authorities. The next round to be played is the quarter-finals.

3 April, 13.45 CET: UEFA president criticises ending season early

The UEFA president Aleksandar Ceferin has criticised the Belgian Pro League ending their season early. "That's not the right way, solidarity is not a one-way street," said the Slovenian after the first suspension of a major football league due to the coronavirus pandemic. "The Belgians and others, who are perhaps thinking about it, are risking their participation in European competition next season." In addition, Ceferin said games in the Champions and Europa League played behind closed doors would be a helpful alternative to matches with spectators. The Bundesliga is currently suspended to at least 30 April and the Europa League and the Champions League "until further notice."

3 April, 12.50 CET: DFB extends coaching licenses

The DFB and the Association of German Football Coaches (BDFL) have taken the coronavirus crisis into account. Coaching licences due to expire at the end of 2020 have been extended by 12 months. According to Markus Nadler, head of department for education, training and development at the DFB Academy, this will deal “in the least bureaucratic form with the numerours training events that are not allowed due to the current coronavirus crisis.”

1 April, 17.05 CET: Europa League suspended ‘until further notice’

UEFA wants to restart the Champions League and Europa League at an inderterminate point in time. The internationals plaaned for June and the Euro 2020 play-offs have been postponed ‘until further notice’. UEFA made the announcement todayafter a video conference involving the 55 general secretaries of the member associations. The UEFA executive commitee has already approved the decision. Click here for further details.

1 April, 15.10 CET: Werkself train in pairs

An exemption by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia has made it possible: The Bayer 04 Leverkusen first team squad train for the first time at the club in pairs. That has happened by adhering to all regulations and after players and staff were provided with detailed information beforehand about all rules prescribed by the pandemic officer Dr Karl-Heinrich Dittmar in close cooperation with the local health authorities. Full team training will not happen in the coming days and this ruling initially applies up to Sunday, 5 April. Click here for news article.

1 April, 14.00 CET: Werkself players agree wage cuts

The Bayer 04 Leverkusen first team squad have agreed a wage cut in their first meeting after two weeks training at home. "Of course, all of the coaching staff, the directors and management have adopted the same position," said sporting managing director Rudi Völler. Click here for news article.

31 March, 14.30 CET: Bundesliga suspended to at least 30 April

The 36 professional clubs in the Bundesliga and the second edition have today agreed, at an extraordinary general meeting of the DFL, to extend the suspension of fixtures to 30 April. DFL CEO Christian Seifert explained after the video conference that the league management are looking to "end the season on 30 June." So they want to make a start "to be able to make that possible." Seifert also declared it will be necessary to talk "about changes in the transfer window." The next extraordinary general meeting of the DFL will take place on 17 April. Further news to follow.

30 March, 16.05 CET: UEFA to discuss rescheduling of fixtures

UEFA and the general secretaries of its 55 member associations will discuss the rescheduling of matches on Wednesday, 1 April. UEFA has postponed the fixtures in the Champions League and Europa League, with Bayer 04 winning the Round of 16 first leg 3-1 in Glasgow, until further notice. Euro 2020 has already been put back ot the summer of 2021. The meeting on Wednesday will also cover the issues of player contracts and the transfer system. Click HERE for news article.

30 March, 12.10 CET: Rettig: Football can contribute to 'distraction and well-being'

Leverkusen born Andreas Rettig, former DFL chief executive and at Bayer 04 from 1989 to 1998, sees a possibility of a 'special status' for professional football through politics. Games behind closed doors could be an event, "that you look forward to and gets talked about. Football grows in significance every day to the current ban on contacts and associated social isolation." The game could "make a contribution to distraction and thereby to people's well-being." Tomorrow there will be another full meeting of the DFL via video conference where the DFL management committee will recommend to the professional clubs the extension of the current suspension of fixtures to at least 30 April.

27 March, 16.30 CET: DFB postpones semi-final against Saarbrücken

As announced by the German Football Association today, the DFB Cup semi-finals have been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. A new date remains to be confirmed. The Werkself face Regional League side FC Saarbrücken and Bayern Munich entertain league rivals Eintracht Frankfurt in the last four. The semi-finals were due to be played on 21 and 22 April. The final in Berlin is currently on 23 May as things stand.

26 March, 13.15 CET: Solidarity fund for the Bundesliga

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have joined Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig in setting up a solidarity fund to the value of 20 million euros. The initiative aims to support clubs from the top two leagues in financial difficulties due to the ongoing postponement of fixtures. Click HERE for more information.

26 March, 12.30 CET: Bayer 04 start with ‘Bundesliga Home Challenge’

26 of the 36 clubs in the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 are joining in with the DFL ‘Bundesliga Home Challenge’ at the weekend. Per club, one first team player plus one person “from the relevant club or their immediate sphere”. Bayer 04, represented by Adrian Stanilewicz and #B04eSports player Kai ‘Det’ Wollin, face SV Darmstadt in a FIFA 20 game on Saturday night (19.40 CET). The games involving the Black and Reds will be streamed on the offical Twitch channel ‘b04esports’. The season is currently suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic for both professional football and the FIFA Global Series for eSports players.

25 March, 15.50 CET: Bender brothers donate too

Jonathan Tah, Mitchell Weiser, Nadiem Amiri – and now Lars and Sven Bender too. The Werkself defensive duo have also signed up to the ‘We Kick Corona’ project that Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich (both FC Bayern Munich) initiated. The Bender brothers are two of over 30 donors. The campaign supports “charitable bodies and their community organisations from all levels of society.” €3.3 million has been raised so far.

24 March, 16.50 CET: DFL recommends break to 30 April at the earliest

Communicating by video conference, the DFL management committee has recommended the extension of the postponement of fixtures in the Bundesliga and second division to 30 April at the earliest. The DFL will hold a general meeting next week giving the clubs the opportunity to approve the recommendation. Professional football in Germany is currently officially suspended to 2 April.

24 March, 12.40 CET: Völler on possible waiving of wages by the Werkself

Rudi Völler, sporting managing director, and Werkself captain Lars Bender have discussed the possibility of Bayer 04 players waiving their wages. “We’re thinking about it, as are the players and Lars has lead the way. It’s down to everybody to help the club,” Völler said to Bild. “Everybody has to make their own contribution – of course, that applies to the management too.”

24 March, 11.05 CET: Curtius on games behind closed doors

DFB general secretary Friedrich Curtius has shared his views on the possibility of playing games behind closed doors for an extended period of time. “After talking to a lot of experts, I think this could last to the end of the year,” said the 44-year-old in an interview with the trade magazine Sponsors. The next DFL general meeting for all clubs is scheduled for next week. That meeting should decide on the next steps regarding the outstanding fixtures. Professional football in Germany is currently officially suspended until 2 April. 

23 March, 19.10 CET: UEFA postpones Europa League final

The European Football Association (UEFA) has postponed the Champions League and Europa League finals until further notice due to the coronavirus pandemic. The announcement was made on Monday evening. The Champions League final was due to take place in Istanbul on 30 May. The final of the Europa League, where Bayer 04 beat Rangers 3-1 in the Round of 16 first leg, was originally planned for 27 May in the Polish city of Gdansk.

23 March, 17.20 CET: Werkself players donate

Jonathan Tah, who has already contributed to the DFB's Sepp Herberger Foundation, plus teammates Nadiem Amiri and Mitchell Weiser have also backed another good cause. The three Werkself players are supporting the 'We Kick Corona' project that was initiated by fellow Bundesliga players Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka (both FC Bayern). Amiri talked about it on his Instagram account: "We all have to stick together now and above all help those who urgently need support. Stay healthy and look after yourselves."

23 March, 15.25 CET: Paderborn player on road to recovery

At the time of this corona crisis, there was good news from the camp of one of Leverkusen's Bundesliga rivals, SC Paderborn. Central defender Luca Kilian, the first player in the Bundesliga to contract coronavirus, is getting better. "The virus is easing off, I think I'll be fully fit again by Monday (today, ed.)," said the 20-year-old at the weekend to the Westfalen Blatt newspaper. Kilian played the full 90 minutes against Bayer 04 both in the second round of the DFB Cup and in the recent Bundesliga match.

23 March, 14.10 CET: Closure of West reception and North-west entrance

Bayer 04 have taken further action as a result of the coronavirus epidemic. From tomorrow, Tuesday, 24 March, the West reception and the North-west entrance (piazza) to the BayArena are closed until further notice. All visitors/service providers must use the South reception and the South-west entrance. Deliveries or visitors must be announced prior to arrival to the members of staff at the South reception. Due to the corona crisis and the associated measures, the majority of staff at Bayer 04 have been working from home for the past few days.

22 March, 19.05 CET: DFB psychologist praises Tah and Co.

Werkself central defender Jonathan Tah, who recently contributed to the DFB Sepp Herberger Foundation, as well as Bayern Munich players Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich (‘We Kick Corona’). Football players from all over Germany are involved in aid projects during the corona crisis. Psychologist Hans-Dieter Hermann of the German Football Association (DFB) has praised the approach of professional athletes: “They train at home (Werkself are working from home, ed.), are committed to community projects via the Internet, they donate, cheer people up and accept responsibility in their areas of influence, for example, by calling on their followers to adhere to the rules and regulations currently required. Instead of just waiting, they are active and they show initiative. That’s good for society but it’s also good for their own state of mind.” Hermann has a suggestion ready for the athletes: Mental training, to keep “your mind active for football-related activities.”

22 March: 14.45 CET: DFB VP Koch on games behind closed doors

This morning, the DFB vice-president Rainer Koch talked about the necessity of matches behind closed doors on the Doppelpass programme on Sport1. “Otherwise, the survival of all professional football is at risk. There are thousands of jobs dependent on it,” said the 61-year-old. “Health comes first, then securing the finances of the clubs and then being able to generate income again as soon as possible. Without spectators, that can only come from television income.” Professional football is suspended to 2 April. The DFL steering committee is meeting again on Tuesday, 24 March and a possible extension will be discussed.

20 March, 12.15 CET: Tah donates to DFB foundation

Werkself central defender Jonathan Tah is supporting the Sepp Herberger Foundation at the DFB in their relief programme launched today. This is directed at "members of the football family" who have fallen on hard times due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Bayer 04 Germany international has donated €100,000 to the foundation as a private donor. Tah: "Solidarity with each other is perhaps the most important thing we need at the moment and is something each individual can do. Therefore, everybody should do what they can to achieve an improvement in the situation."

20 March, 12.00 CET: Hradecky: #StayAtHome

Werkself goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky leads the way. Speaking on the Bayer 04 Facebook site, the Finn emphasises in a video: "I'm at home. Out there are people who are working for you – that's in supermarkets, hospitals etc. It's not so bad for us as we just have to stay at home. Stay healthy, all the best!"

20 March, 11.35 CET: General ruling by the City of Leverkusen

The latest official directive from the City of Leverkusen comes into force today (Friday). This bans meetings of two and more people in the open air. Exceptions are groups of people who live together on a permanent basis (e.g. families and people sharing a property). Other exceptions include gatherings "for obtaining supplies to cover daily needs (e.g. queues) or for urgent work-related reasons." The directive has been issued based on the Infection Protection Act and applies to the whole municipal area of Leverkusen.

18 March, 13.00 CET: Werkself working from home

Taking account of the current health situation and restrictions on the public to combat coronavirus, Bayer 04 have cancelled communal training for all teams at Leverkusen until further notice. That means the members of the senior squad will now follow long-prepared training schedules at home. Click HERE for news article.

17 March, 18:00 CET: Status Quo: Fan shop closes – Werkself meet

Coronavirus is currently having a massive effect on life in Germany. In order to make a contribution to keeping the pandemic at bay as well as protecting players and members of staff, Bayer 04 Leverkusen have introduced a number of measures. HERE is an overview of decisions relevant to the public.

17 March 15:25 CET: UEFA postpones Euros to the summer of 2021

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 at a crisis meeting via a video conference on Tuesday involving representatives of all 55 member associations, national leagues and the European Club Association (ECA). Click HERE for further details.

17 March, 11.30 CET: Dr. Dittmar answers questions on coronavirus

Dr. Karl-Heinrich Dittmar, medical director at Bayer 04, answering fans’ questions on coronavirus, provides up-to-date information on the situation at the Werkself and makes suggestions on preventing infection. Click HERE for the Bayer 04 TV report (in German).

17 March, 11.00 CET: All youth games postponed to 19 April

Championship games for Bayer 04 youth teams in the top leagues up to and including 19 April have been called off. Click HERE for an overview of the effects of the corona crisis on Bayer 04.

16 March, 15.30 CET: Bundesliga suspended up to 2 April at the earliest

The German Football League (DFL) held an extraordinary general meeting today (Monday). Bayer 04 Leverkusen were represented by Fernando Carro, chairman of the board. Click HERE for article.

16 March, 15.05 CET: EA cancels VBL ‘Grand Final’

Coronavirus has also affected the Virtual Bundesliga (VBL) season for the #B04eSports players Fabian ‘B04_Dubzje’ De Cae and Kai ‘Deto’ Wollin. Bayer 04 recently ended the VBL Club Championship in an impressive third place that qualified the duo for the Grand Final, which has now been cancelled. The big event was due to be staged in Cologne at the end of March to determine the champion of Germany of the console.

16 March, 14.45 CET: DFB suspends Women’s Bundesliga

The matchdays in the FLYERALARM Women's Bundesliga and the Women's DFB Cup have been suspended initially to 19 April. The DFB made the announcement on Monday afternoon. With this decision, the match organisers are following a recommendation from the Women's Bundesliga committee led by Siegfried Dietrich. The postponement of the games covers league matchdays 17 and 18 plus the DFB Cup quarter- and semi-finals. Click HERE for article.

16 March, 14.00 CET: No football section meeting on 23 March

The TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen football section meeting planned for Monday 23 March has been cancelled due to the corona crisis. The rearranged date will be announced at a later date.

15 March, 17.00 CET: Status quo at Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Coronavirus is currently having a massive effect on life in Germany. In order to make a contribution to keeping the pandemic at bay as well as protecting players and members of staff, Bayer 04 Leverkusen have introduced a number of measures. Click here for further information.

15 March, 16.30 CET: Carro and Völler on the effects of the corona crisis

Fernando Carro, chairman of the board at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, is assuming that the currently suspended football competitions will be resumed. "Cancelling all competitions is not an option for many reasons," said the 55-year-old to the dpa. At the same time, Carro did admit: "Reality has regularly overtaken us in recent days within a matter of minutes."

Nevertheless, the Bayer 04 boss calls for a postponement of Euro 2020, "to at least ensure the chance of playing games in various competitions properly and fairly to a conclusion,. That also includes the option of playing matches behind closed doors. "Nobody wants games without fans. Nobody. That contradicts the point and purpose of our Bundesliga," said Carro. "At the same time, these matches can be an emergency solution to ensure the proper conclusion of the league that is essential for the finances of our clubs. This option is unpopular but cannot be completely excluded."

As with Fernando Carro, Rudi Völler, sporting managing director at Bayer 04, sees the Bundesliga at the centre of resolving the crisis. "The national league is clearly the most important thing for football. That will also be the most important item at tomorrow's meeting of the DFL," said Völler on the Sport1 TV broadcast Doppelpass. The rest – both the European competitions as well as the Euros – take "second place."

14 March, 17.00 CET: Völler on Doppelpass on SPORT1 

The Doppelpass programme has its 1,000th broadcast on SPORT1 on Sunday, 15 March. Due to the corona crisis without a studio audience. Guests on the programme from 11.00 CET include Stefan Effenberg, Marcel Reif. Rudi Völler and Reiner Calmund will join the broadcast remotely.

14 March, 14.30 CET: Werkself training sessions

The Bayer 04 squad under head coach Peter Bosz trained on Saturday. In order for the players to be able to recover from the recent double fixture weeks, there will be no full training sessions up to and including Tuesday. As it stands, training will start again on Wednesday, 18 March. All sessions are behind closed doors until further notice.

14 March, 12.00 CET: Carro and Dittmar on Sportschau

The ARD Sportschau this evening discusses the subject of coronavirus and the effects on sport. As part of a round-table discussion, presenter Jessy Wellmer will be joined by Fernando Carro, chairman of the board at Bayer 04, Dr Karl-Heinrich Dittmar, director of medicine at the Werkself, and ARD pundit Thomas Broich.

13 March, 22.30 CET: FIFA recommends postponement of international fixtures's

Due to the corona crisis, FIFA has lifted the duty on clubs to release players and recommends a postponement of the plan matches in the forthcoming international break (March and April 2020). However, the definitive decision rests with the relevant competition organisations and, in the event of friendly fixtures, with the individual member associations.

13 March, 16.15 CET: DFL postpones matchday 26

Due to the dynamic of new coronavirus infections and suspected cases on Friday, the DFL has decided to postpone the whole of matchday 26 in both leagues. In addition, the league committee will propose to a full meeting of the professional clubs on Monday, 16 March the suspension of matches up to 2 April.

13 March, 13.30 CET: Monday night game in Bremen postponed

The Bremen Senator of the Interior has called off the planned Bundesliga game between Werder Bremen and Bayer 04 Leverkusen on Monday, 16 March. The background is that the local authorities fear that over 1000 fans could gather at the stadium on the match day. Such a scenario would not comply with current measures introduced for protection against coronavirus.

13 March, 13.22 CET: Information on youth league fixtures

By order of the DFB, WDFV and FVM fixtures for youth leagues are suspended due to the corona pandemic as follows:

• From now to 26 March in the Bundesliga youth leagues (U19 and U17) and women's youth leagues
• U8 – U15 matches from today to 19 April

As a consequence, the Kurtekotten Academy (U8 to U15) has called off friendly matches and training with immediate effect until further notice

13 March, 13.10 CET: No Bayer 04 Club events up to Easter

Protection against infection also affects membership events. All events organised by the various Bayer 04 clubs are suspended, initially to the Easter weekend (9 to 13 April).

13 March, 11.00 CET: Round of 16 second leg in Leverkusen postponed

UEFA have called off all European games next week due to the corona pandemic. That means the second leg of the Round of 16 tie in the Europa League between Bayer 04 and Rangers due to be played on Thursday, 19 March, will now not take place.

13 March, 10.30 CET: DFL in favour of suspension of fixtures

The committee of the German Football League (DFL) has proposed the suspension of fixtures in the Bundesliga and the second division due to the corona pandemic. This measure is due to run from Tuesday 17 March to 2 April inclusively. This weekend's matchday will take place as planned behind closed doors.

12 March, 14.27 CET: UEFA and DFL meet at the start of next week

UEFA today announced that the representatives of all 55 member associations, the boards of the European Club Association (ECA) and the Association of European Leagues plus the players union FIFpro have been invited to join a video conference on Tuesday, 17 March. This will provide a platform to discuss future action against the background of the spread of coronavirus. A similar discussion will be held the day before in Frankfurt on Monday, 16 March at an extraordinary general meeting of the DFL.

12 March, 13.31 CET: Werkself home games behind closed doors

Following a decree from the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Bayer 04 have decided that all the club's home games – including the women's and youth teams – plus the first team training sessions will be held behind closed doors until further notice.

12 March, 11.29 CET: Schwadbud closed for the time being

The City of Leverkusen has now announced regulations for events within the municipal area. Consequently, Bayer 04 have decided, in terms of health protection, that the Schwadbud at the BayArena will not be open to broadcast TV coverage of Werkself matches.

11 March, 12.30 CET: Ticket information on games in Bremen and at home to Rangers

In order to slow down the spread of coronavirus, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia has issued an order banning all events with more than 1,000 people. The state of Bremen has taken a similar decision. There is the possibility of these events being held behind closed doors.