MUNICH: The Bundesliga will resume behind closed doors on 16 May, becoming the first European league to restart following the coronavirus shutdown.
The decision was made at an extraordinary assembly of the DFL, held Thursday by video conference, where the 36 clubs of the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 discussed the resumption of match operations.
After the executive committee of the DFL Wednesday agreed in principle to continue the season “from 15 May”, 16 May has now been set as the specific date. The DFL is therefore following the wording of the federal and state decision, which says that the return of the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 would be acceptable “from the second half of May”.
In both leagues, the season will continue from matchday 26. The subsequent matchdays will follow in the order originally planned. The final matchdays of the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 are scheduled for 27 and 28 June, respectively. As the scheduling of the matchdays until the end of the season requires an adjustment to the overall schedule, final talks to coordinate this adjustment are currently being held with the DFB.
The league has been suspended since 13 March. Clubs returned to training in mid-April, with players working in groups.
Most teams have nine games to play, with the final weekend of the season rescheduled for 27-28 June.
About 300 people, including players, staff and officials, will be in or around the stadiums during match days.
Christian Seifert, chief executive of the German Football League, said “it was crucial to resume play” despite empty stands and other restrictions.
Meanwhile, the second wave of coronavirus tests scheduled before the start of team training is now complete. It comprised 1,695 tests. Two cases of infection were identified and reported immediately to the local health authorities, which will decide on what steps to take.
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