The German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, has confirmed that the Bundesliga can resume this month.
Having concluded modalities with health officials, broadcast partners, fans’ representatives and competition sponsors, the German Bundesliga has settled on 16 May for the resumption of the season.
Football administration officials announced the date on Thursday. The inaugural match will pitch Schalke against Borussia Dortmund.
Although the timing remains uncertain, what is clear is that the remaining matches for this season will be played behind closed doors. There are nine fixtures to be cleared in the soon-to-be-resumed Bundesliga.
Preserve the structure
Reacting to the news, the chief executive of the German Football League or Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL) Christian Seifert, hailed the decision.
“Today’s decision is good news for the Bundesliga and the Bundesliga 2,” Seifert said.
“It is associated with a great responsibility for the clubs and their employees to implement the medical and organisational requirements in a disciplined manner.
“Games without spectators are not an ideal solution for anyone,” Seifert conceded. “In a crisis threatening the very existence of some clubs, however, it is the only way to keep the leagues in their current form.”
“Disciplined” fresh start
Chancellor Merkel’s decision has also brought appreciation and relief from the chairman of Bayern Munich, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.
“I would like to thank the politicians for giving today’s decision [and for] the opportunity to finish the Bundesliga season.
“We are now looking forward to resuming play, ideally from mid-May. This ensures that the sporting decisions are made on the pitch,” Rummenigge said.
“I appeal to everyone involved to follow the requirements, which are the basis for resuming games, in an exemplary and extremely disciplined manner.”
The virus has infected some 171,879 people in Germany, of whom 145,600 have recovered. Sadly, however, the virus has claimed 7,569 lives.
Atsu Boye
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