The background to the ban is a dispute between Hakan Calhanoglu and the Turkish club Trabzonspor. During his time at Karlsruhe SC in 2011 Calhanoglu, as a minor, reached agreement with Trabzonspor regarding a transfer. However, he extended his contract at Karlsruhe SC and later joined Hamburg SV. The CAS agreed with FIFA that the actions of the player represented a breach of contract with Trabzonspor.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen were not involved in the proceedings as the player signed for the Bayer 04 Leverkusen several years after the incident. "Of course, we regret this decision which is completely incomprehensible for us," said sporting director Rudi Völler. "It's a heavy blow for Hakan but also for us. We’re also being heavily punished although Bayer 04 Leverkusen had nothing to do with the events in 2011. We are now missing a very important player in a crucial phase of the season."
Bayer 04 CEO Michael Schade also criticised the verdict. "In addition to the player, it also affects the club that played absolutely no part in the events of the time. Unfortunately we are left with no alternative but to accept the decision," said Schade.
After Jens Nowotny was officially named a Bayer 04 honorary captain last weekend, the long-standing Werkself player is part of the Leverkusen delegation on the trophy tour to New York City next week from 11 to 14 September. In an interview with bayer04.de, the 50-year-old talked about his expectations ahead of the trip to the metropolis on the East Coast of the USA.
Show moreThe German Football League (DFL) has confirmed the dates and kick-off times for matchdays 6 to 12 of the 2024/25 Bundesliga season. Full details of the Bayer 04 fixtures.
Show moreMarkus Rehm, a long jumper at TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen, won the gold medal for the fourth time in succession at the Paralympics on Wednesday.
Show moreThe fixture details for the second round of the DFB Pokal 2024/25 have been confirmed. The home tie for Bayer 04 against second division SV 07 Elversberg is on Tuesday, 29 October with the kick off at 18.00 CET (live on Sky). That was announced by the German Football Association (DFB) on Thursday.
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