Bundesliga CEO, Christian Seifert confirmed German league is ready to resume without fans on May 9 but the league will only restart if Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government and state leaders give a green light.
“It is solely down to what the political leaders decide,” Seifert said in a video press conference.
“The Bundesliga is ready, regardless of whether it can continue on 9 May or at a later date.”
Bundesliga clubs have been able to resume their training since the country is less affected by the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the rest of European countries, partly due to mass testing.
But the decision has been treated with caution as the players must be tested regularly and hygiene officers would be appointed to each team to ensure the guidelines are followed.
Games without spectators are not what we want, but they seem to be the only feasible way,” said Seifert.
“We try to take the best possible precautions through certain measures.”
So far, Bundesliga plan to allow only around 200 people in the stadium for each game, including players, coaches, officials and media.
The season will finish on June 30, and the club will gain up around 300 million euros in television money, a significant boost for cash-strapped clubs.
Bayern Munich forward Thomas Mueller says the clubs must follow the rules in order to complete the season.
“As long as the rules are compatible with the laws and regulations, we will play, even if we have to be in quarantine,” Mueller told Sport Bild magazine.
“It is quite clear that football would follow the rules.”