German football kicks off again this month

Bundesliga becomes the first major European sport to return to action following the Covid-19 outbreak.

Germany.- The Bundesliga, the German football league, is the first major sports organisation in Europe to resume activities following the Coronavirus pandemic.

The season will be played behind closed doors after receiving approval from Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Germany, which recorded around 7,000 deaths of Coronavirus, is already easing lockdown restrictions, with schools and shops gradually reopening but with social distancing still in place.

German Football League (DFL) will is expected to confirm it will return to action either from May 15 or a week later on May 22.

The championship was stopped with nine rounds left and Bayern Munich in the top.

The DFL said its health and safety plan will see around 300 people in stadiums to lessen the risk of infection, with large crowds banned in the country until October 24.

Christian Seifert, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the DFL and DFL CEO, said: “Today’s decision is good news for Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2. It is associated with a great responsibility for the clubs and their employees to implement the medical and organisational requirements in a disciplined manner.

“Matches without stadium spectators are not an ideal solution for anyone. However, during this crisis, which threatens the existence of some clubs, it is the only option to preserve the leagues in their present form.

“Today I’d like to thank the decision-makers at the state and federal level for placing their confidence in us.”