The Bundesliga could become the first major football league in Europe to have some supporters back in stadiums next season.
Health ministers of the individual German states are due to meet next week to discuss the matter with the new Bundesliga season set to start on September 18.
And German Football League (DFL) CEO Christian Seifert has revealed the possibility of fans in stadiums depends solely on political leaders giving the go ahead.
“If and when fans will return to the stadiums is not a decision for the DFL but for the political leaders,” Seifert told a news conference last week.
“The DFL does not expect or demand anything but we are preparing to take this small step (with fans in stadiums) when the time comes.
“Priority is not full stadiums but the health situation. We should not take unnecessary risks but we should also not capitulate and just expect it to go away.”
Before Seifert added: “Professional football can only come back in steps.
“There is no magic switch for politicians to give the green light for full stadiums. That will happen in steps. We will have to reclaim normality in small steps.
“No one at the DFL will demand a specific number of fans. That would be irresponsible.”
Speaking on fans returning to matches last week, Richard Masters of the Premier League said: “The Premier League returns to action on September 12.
“This pre-season is unlike any other. Yes, the transfers and rumours will still happen, but behind the scenes the game is working tirelessly to innovate and find a way forward that allows for the return of match-going fans and provide a boost to the whole game’s economic viability in these challenging times.
“Getting fans back in our grounds, in a responsible manner, is a big part of that. The Premier League is committed to making it happen and I can’t wait to be back sitting in a ground, listening to the fans driving on their players and seeing the impact they have on their team.”
