May 1 – Germany, ahead of the game in Europe in dealing with the spread of Covid-19, has suffered a setback in its bid to start playing matches again after the government delayed any decision over a league resumption.
The Bundesliga will need to wait another week to find out about a possible restart after an increase in infections following a partial easing of the country’s lockdown caused concern.
Clubs had been hoping for the green light to end a two-month suspension but Chancellor Angela Merkel told a news conference any decision on if and when sports activities could resume would now be taken on May 6.
“It is absolutely necessary that we remain disciplined and stick to health guidelines,” Merkel said, adding that sporting issues would be dealt with at a government meeting next week.
The German Football League (DFL), which runs the Bundesliga, has warned that many top-flight teams will be in an “existence-threatening” financial position if play does not resume by June.
With nine games of the season remaining, Bayern Munich lead the table, four points ahead of Borussia Dortmund, but the DFL needs the season to be completed by June 30 because of deals with sponsors and broadcasters.
Players are already back in training and last week the DFL said the league would be ready to return behind closed doors on May 9 but May 16-23 are now considered more realistic dates at the earliest.
Contact the writer of this story at andrew.warshaw@insideworldfootball.com