Germany’s Bundesliga First Major European League to Return Amid Pandemic
Germany’s Bundesliga is the first major European football league to resume post-lockdown. Matches are played with limited spectators while strict hygiene and health protocols are enforced. Successful completion of the season is critical for the clubs’ financial recovery and may set an example for other leagues in Europe.
Football in Germany resumed on Saturday as the Bundesliga became the first major European league to return since the coronavirus lockdown. The match between Borussia Dortmund and Schalke 04 took place at Signal Iduna Park, which can hold 82,000 spectators, but only around 300 individuals were allowed in, including staff and media. The opening goal by Dortmund’s Erling Haaland was met with silence, highlighting the absence of fans.
In addition to the Bundesliga, the second-tier Bundesliga 2 also resumed play, with Holstein Kiel’s Lee Jae-Sung scoring the first league goal after a two-month hiatus. The German Football League (DFL) implemented strict health protocols, including regular testing for players and coaches, and compulsory quarantine for teams prior to resumption.
To adhere to social distancing measures, teams arrived at stadiums using multiple buses. Hygiene guidelines forbade players from celebrating goals physically, such as shaking hands or hugging one another. Despite lower mortality rates in Germany compared to other European nations, large crowds were still considered unsafe.
Bayern Munich is set to play against Union Berlin, resuming their campaign for an eighth consecutive Bundesliga title, with Bayern leading the league. The DFL noted that many clubs are financially strained due to the lockdown, and completing the season could yield around 300 million euros from TV contracts, a crucial support for struggling clubs.
Internationally, leagues in England, Spain, and Italy, which are yet to announce restart dates, will closely monitor Germany’s proceedings. The Bundesliga anticipates a surge in global viewership, particularly from football fans in Brazil and Mexico, while local authorities warn fans against gathering near stadiums to watch.
Bayern’s coach Hansi Flick acknowledged that the eyes of the world are on Germany, emphasizing that a successful season restart could set a precedent for other leagues. Professional protocols were tested when Augsburg’s coach left the hotel for personal items, demonstrating the gravity of compliance. Additionally, Union Berlin’s coach faces absence due to a family bereavement.
Augsburg coach Heiko Herrlich faced backlash for violating quarantine rules, while Hertha Berlin suspended Salomon Kalou for breaking social distancing by shaking hands with teammates. Markus Soeder, Bavaria’s state leader, emphasized strict adherence to health protocols as non-compliance could have repercussions.
The Bundesliga’s resumption marks a significant step in the return of professional sports amid the pandemic. With stringent health measures in place, the league aims to demonstrate a safe path forward, despite public skepticism and the challenges ahead. Ensuring compliance with protocols is vital to maintain safety and prevent further health risks as the league progresses.
Original Source: www.france24.com
