Bundesliga Leads Europe in Football’s Return Amid COVID-19 Precautions

The Bundesliga has resumed play as the first major European league to do so after COVID-19, with strict health protocols in place. Matches feature limited attendance, and regulations are enforced to ensure player safety. Other European leagues are observing Germany’s example as they plan their returns. Public sentiment about the return of football is mixed despite the potential benefits to morale.

Germany’s Bundesliga has become the first major European football league to resume play following the COVID-19 lockdown, starting with a significant match between Borussia Dortmund and Schalke 04 on Saturday. In the normally packed Signal Iduna Park, only 300 individuals attended, highlighting strict social distancing measures. Football resumed in Germany amidst stringent health protocols, including regular virus testing for players and staff, who were quarantined prior to the matches.

In the first game of the day, Bundesliga 2 also returned with four matches, where South Korean Lee Jae-Sung scored the initial goal following a two-month hiatus. Even with a lower death toll from COVID-19 compared to other European nations, German authorities deemed it unsafe for full stadiums, keeping crowds away for the time being. Bayern Munich is set to continue its title chase against Union Berlin on Sunday.

The German Football League (DFL) emphasized the financial necessity of completing the remaining nine matches to secure around 300 million euros from television contracts, as many clubs face severe financial strain due to the lockdown. Other European leagues, including those in England, Spain, and Italy, are closely observing the Bundesliga’s reopening to inform their own comeback plans. The Bundesliga anticipates significant global viewership, especially from football-loving countries like Brazil and Mexico.

Authorities in Germany are concerned that fans might gather outside stadiums to support their teams, prompting police in Dortmund to urge supporters to remain home. “The whole world will be looking at Germany, to see how we get it done,” said Bayern coach Hansi Flick, highlighting the importance of these matches for global football.

However, adherence to health regulations has been problematic, with Augsburg coach Heiko Herrlich sidelined after leaving the hotel for toothpaste, acknowledging his failure as a role model. Sympathies were extended to Union Berlin coach Urs Fischer, who also broke quarantine due to a family bereavement. Meanwhile, Salomon Kalou from Hertha Berlin faced suspension for breaching rules by shaking hands with teammates.

Markus Soeder, Bavaria’s leader, warned that violations of health guidelines would lead to consequences, emphasizing the significance of compliance. Although COVID-19 has resulted in over 7,800 deaths in Germany, many Germans remain skeptical about the sport’s return, with a poll showing 56% opposition. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin argued that the return of football is a “good sign” for society, restoring a sense of normalcy during uncertain times.

Original Source: www.france24.com