April 22 – Germany looks set to become the first of the Big 5 leagues in Europe to resume playing when the spread of Covid-19 eases.
German clubs could even start as early as May 9 according to local reports though behind closed doors. The league would then aim to be completed by the end of June – in time for Germany to nominate its contestants for next year’s European competitions.
The Bundesliga has been suspended since mid-March but the German Football League (DFL) is meeting on Thursday to decide how long to extend the ban past the current April 30 date.
“No one likes games without fans. For some clubs this is the only way at the moment to secure their financial existence as employers,” said a DFL statement.
Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said it was crucial to stick to the medical guidelines. “It is important that we carefully adhere to any legal and medical guidelines in order to minimise any health risk,” he said.
Bayern are top of the Bundesliga, four points clear of Dortmund, with nine games left in the campaign.
Sweden plans restart with fans
Meanwhile the top two leagues in Sweden have announced that they hope to get their seasons up and running on 14 June – and with fans present.
Sweden, where fatalities have been fewer than most other countries in Europe, has taken a different approach when it comes to coronavirus, allowing schools, restaurants and shops to stay open, with the prime minister, Stefan Löfven, urging people to behave “as adults”.
In total 1,765 people have died from coronavirus in the country. The season was due to start at the beginning of April but was postponed indefinitely. On Tuesday, however, the top two leagues announced that they have pencilled in June 14 as a starting date.
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