Bundesliga hits restart setback
Originally seen as the European model to follow there is now concern about a second peak in Germany which has forced football authorities to insist on extraordinary measures to which football clubs would be subjected in order to stage matches behind closed doors this month. Squads will be tested twice a week for coronavirus and have food delivered to hotel rooms during periods of isolation.
Officials outlined the protocols for squads during meetings earlier on Friday, with the Premier League closely watching and hoping to replicate the model if successful.
Bundesliga matches are due to be played on Tuesdays and Saturdays with the following stipulations:
- Players tested the day before a game.
- Results on matchday to clear them to play. Isolation for two weeks after a positive test.
- Travel to matches in three-team buses for social distancing.
- Players to enter the pitch separately.
- No handshakes.
- Players to stay in hotels around matches with no visitors allowed and food being delivered to rooms by club staff.
On Friday night FC Kðln revealed three positive tests among their players and staff but those who were negative carried on training.
A statement read: “After an assessment of the cases by the responsible health authorities, the three people who tested positive will go into a 14-day quarantine at home. FC Köln will not confirm any names out of respect for the privacy of those affected. FC Köln’s training can continue as planned, according to the hygiene and infection control measures that have been in place since April 6 in group training”