Share

Bundesliga clubs to follow strict measures when league resumes

The Bundesliga was on Wednesday given permission to resume its 2019/2020 season on 16 May by Chancellor Angela Merkel, becoming the first major European league to host live football matches.

A virtual meeting attended by all 36 member associations of the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 will on Thursday finalise the protocols to enable the resumption of the leagues.

"Matches will be allowed under the approved rules," said Merkel at a press conference in Berlin as a plan was approved for the Bundesliga to resume in stadiums without spectators.

These are the extraordinary measures that teams are required to follow when action returns to the field:

- All games will be played without any fans with a hygiene officer appointed to each team.

- Players will be tested the day before a game.

- Results will be announced on matchday to clear them to play.

- Players will be required to undergo self-isolation for two weeks after a positive Covid-19 test.

- Teams will travel to matches in three separate team buses for social distancing .

- Players are also to enter the pitch separately.

- No handshakes.

- Players to stay in hotels around matches with no visitors allowed and food being delivered to rooms by club staff.

The German Football Association announced an agreement with testing laboratories which will enable players and staff to be tested twice a week.

A first round of 1724 tests were recently carried out which resulted in 10 positive results with three from FC Cologne with a second round of testing planned for next week.

In a report by Kicker, the DFL also eased concerns over the wasting of tests by confirming that it would not take away tests from any German citizens.

The DFL pointed out that all laboratories had given written assurances that the total testing capabilities are at 818 000 per week, and that soccer would not occupy even 0.4% of this.

- Compiled by Baden Gillion

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1117 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1283 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 1976 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE