Prior to the group photo at the end of the meeting, Michael Diederich had a surprise gift ready as a thank you for the members of the fan dialogue working group. "I think it's absolutely outstanding how topics are discussed, debated and advanced in this committee," explained the FC Bayern vice-chairman on the sidelines of the meeting in the Allianz Arena. "This is living dialogue between the club and its fans, which promotes mutual understanding and is purposeful." As part of the good exchange, Bayern had designed its own polo shirt with the new logo of the committee. Diederich, like some of the other members of the working group, had come to the Oktoberfest in traditional clothing - the perfect combination with the new shirts for the subsequent 7-0 victory over Bochum.
After introductory words from Diederich and Markus Meindl, head of the fan and fan club support department, committee spokesperson Melanie Humann informed the working group about the second statute forum two days earlier. "We have found a good solution which the club will put to a vote at the annual general meeting in November." Her appeal was to please have as many members as possible come to the annual general meeting to approve the bylaws, "because we have put many months of work into the bylaws changes".
The third working group meeting of the year centred on a presentation by Alessandro Morbio from ‘QUEERPASS Bayern’, in which he provided general information on the topic of diversity and outlined the interaction between the fan club and FC Bayern. In 2006, a few gay men had joined forces. In the meantime, their rainbow flag is firmly established in the south stand, and over the years they have worked closer and closer with the German record champions. "It's an exchange between equals, respectful and honestly meant by FC Bayern," explained Morbio. "It's not a marketing stunt - otherwise we wouldn't join in either."
With joint campaigns on Christopher Street Day, the regular illumination of the Allianz Arena in the colours of diversity as well as cooperation with the initiative Red against Racism, ‘QUEERPASS Bayern’ sets an example against discrimination side by side. ‘QUEERPASS Bayern' also sat on the podium at the discussion round on the topic of diversity at the club’s ‘Diversity Mountain’ in the summer. ‘QUEERPASS Bayern’ was also involved in ‘Obacht’, the Allianz Arena’s awareness concept. "If anyone needs a point of contact - we are always in the Südkurve," said Morbio, adding that information is generally available at any time at queerpass-bayern.de.
Diederich explicitly expressed his gratitude and with clear words after the lecture, which showed the many faces and consequences of discrimination: "We all think we are so liberal and open-minded - but I personally experience situations again and again in which one wonders what people still have to endure today. I have zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind, and we all have a responsibility in our society to raise awareness. Thank you very much for these remarks by 'QUEERPASS Bayern'."
At the meeting, FC Bayern also took the fan representatives through the first steps of how the club wants to bring the digital fan world up to date and how the first steps in the newly introduced special role of youth representatives in fan clubs have gone. The working group provided valuable input, including a stronger focus on the issue of digital accessibility and the suggestion to offer activities for children and young people on matchdays in the mornings.
After two intense, insightful hours, Diederich closed the session. "Today we wanted to give you a few insights into the engine room of FC Bayern - and thank you for your input. Together with you, we want to develop FC Bayern further and further."
Following the Champions League match between FC Bayern and Manchester United, both clubs commemorated the victims of the 1958 Air Disaster:
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