August 5 – Bundesliga first and second division clubs have agreed to allow a small number fans back into stadiums, potentially as early as the 2020-21 season opener on Friday September 18. But only if the authorities give the green light later this month.
German Football League (DFL) CEO Christian Seifert said the possibility of fans returning to stadiums depended solely on political leaders giving the go ahead amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“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. “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.”
The health ministers of the individual German states are due to meet next week to discuss the situation.
Seifert said that if fans were allowed into stadiums there would be no away fans at least until the end of the year to minimise the risk of infection, no standing allowed and no alcohol sales.
“Professional football can only come back in steps. There is no magic switch for politicians to give the green light for full stadiums,’ he said.
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