Bundesliga Makes Risky Test Run on Road to Normality
BERLIN (Xinhua) -- The German Bundesliga could again be a role model for world sports.
Back in May, several countries followed the successful example of playing football matches behind closed doors in accordance with strict COVID-19 hygiene regulations.
This time, German sport is taking a step further, as all sports clubs are allowed to fill their halls or arenas to 20 percent capacity.
The trial will run until the end of October. The situation will then be reevaluated in six weeks.
The decision was widely welcomed not only by professional football clubs but other sports such as handball and basketball.
Permission to play depends on local infection figures. The so-called "7-day-incidence” must be below 35 infections per 100,000 inhabitants within a week.
Considering that the Bundesliga’s curtain-raiser between treble-winning Bayern Munich against FC Schalke may still be played behind closed doors as the city of Munich is reporting a rate of over 40.
The plan includes only personal tickets for locals, and alcohol is banned. Away fans are not allowed. Investigations will also be made into the effects on traffic, aerosols, fans arrivals, and departures.
Back in May, several countries followed the successful example of playing football matches behind closed doors in accordance with strict COVID-19 hygiene regulations.
This time, German sport is taking a step further, as all sports clubs are allowed to fill their halls or arenas to 20 percent capacity.
The trial will run until the end of October. The situation will then be reevaluated in six weeks.
The decision was widely welcomed not only by professional football clubs but other sports such as handball and basketball.
Permission to play depends on local infection figures. The so-called "7-day-incidence” must be below 35 infections per 100,000 inhabitants within a week.
Considering that the Bundesliga’s curtain-raiser between treble-winning Bayern Munich against FC Schalke may still be played behind closed doors as the city of Munich is reporting a rate of over 40.
The plan includes only personal tickets for locals, and alcohol is banned. Away fans are not allowed. Investigations will also be made into the effects on traffic, aerosols, fans arrivals, and departures.