Bundesliga edges closer to season restart as German interior minister lends support to plans

The German Football League (DFL), eager for a quick restart, has submitted a health safety plan for games without spectators

German interior minister Horst Seehofer has backed a possible restart for the Bundesliga season this month without spectators as the government prepares for a key meeting next week.

Although Bundesliga clubs have returned to training in small groups, the league has been suspended since mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic and the government is to decide next week on a potential resumption of sports activities.

The German Football League (DFL), eager for a quick restart, has submitted a health safety plan for games without spectators which includes regular testing of players but no quarantine for entire squads in cases of positive tests.

“I find the time frame of the German Football League plausible and I support a restart in May,” Seehofer told Bild. “But for me it is also clear that there should be no extra privileges for the league.”

He also said he was in favour of full team quarantine in cases of positive test, something that is not planned in the DFL blueprint.

“But I am in favour of trying to attempt to play again,” he said.

The cash-strapped clubs and league are desperate to resume play as soon as possible, even without spectators, so the season can contractually finish by June 30.

Germany has suffered over 6,600 deaths from coronavirus with more than 162,00 people infected.