The Bundesliga has revealed their plan to return in just a few weeks time at the start of May, which could set a precedent for the rest of Europe.
Germany’s top-flight will be the first of the top teams in the continent to return following the coronavirus suspension, with other leagues in Europe still in discussions around how the 2019/20 can be completed.
Among them is the Premier League and EFL, both of which have been suspended indefinitely due to the crisis - although the hope is that the season can be concluded during the summer months and Leeds United can resume their promotion push.
Therefore, the leagues could look towards the Bundesliga for guidance on how to resume the season and we have identified the key points behind the plans in Germany’s top-flight:
- For the games, there will be strict controls, with 322 people present in the stadium. This includes 98 in the “interior” (players, coaching and medical staff), 115 in the stands (including media) and 109 more within the stadium perimeter (security, TV production staff).
- Press conferences will be held virtually and sinks will be installed at regular intervals in working areas.
- 18-point plan to cover best practice on away trips, which includes banning players from communal buffets or wellness areas, directing them not to touch elevator buttons – elbows have been suggested as an alternative to the index finger – and even designating an optimal temperature and humidity level for the players’ rooms.
- Regular testing of players and club officials by using mass testing, with it being stated that this will account for just 0.4% of nationwide test capacity.
Leeds currently sit top of the Championship with nine games left on the schedule.
