Berlin sets to allow the Germany Football League, popularly known as the Bundesliga to reopen behind closed doors in May after weeks of shutdown implemented to curtail the spread of the coronavirus, according to a draft government agreement seen Wednesday by AFP
German Politicians have the notion that restarting the league in the first and second divisions to “limit the economic damage” for the 36 clubs is “acceptable”, the document revealed
Chancellor Angela Merkel and state premiers will announce a date for the league to commence in a telephone conference later Wednesday, with German media reporting May 21 was a possible candidate.
“Restarting match activity must be preceded by a two-week quarantine, where appropriate in the form of a training camp” for players, the document read.
Germany’s influential DFL football league has long pressed for restarting play, which it says is crucial for a sector that engages 56,000 people in Germany’s employment market.
It has offered agencies a strict infection control procedure based on numerous coronavirus tests, which it says would propel the competition to be relaunched with minimum risk.
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Jens Spahn, Germany’s Health Minister passed verdict that the scheme “makes sense and can serve as an example for other forms of professional sport,” although “it has to be lived up to”.
German Football Clubs could recover up to 300 million euros ($325 million) in airing rights if they are allowed to contest the nine matches left of the Bundesliga 2019/2020 season.
This new plan could help cushion some of their financial losses, with more than a dozen of the 36 first- and second-division clubs on the verge of bankruptcy according to the media.
The DFL will hold a general meeting by video conference Thursday where representatives from the clubs will finalise details of the reopening.