Kicker: Bundesliga planning May restart with matches behind closed doors

Members of the 36 professional clubs from the top two divisions of German football met today via a virtual conference to make a decision on how to proceed amid the coronavirus crisis.

Last week, the Presidium of the German Football League suggested the suspension of the Bundesliga and the 2.Bundesliga to continue until at least April 30. The clubs, unsurprisingly, unanimously approved the suggestion during the DFL’s first virtual general meeting on Tuesday. In addition to the games, team trainings are also suspended until April 5.

According to Kicker, the plan is now to get both leagues back underway on the first weekend of May, with all games being played behind closed doors.

Despite Kicker’s report, DFL managing director Christian Seifert remained tight-lipped about future plans. But he said that the aim is still to finish the season by June 30, because some clubs may face “existential situations” in May or June if the season ends up being cancelled.

During a virtual press conference after the meeting, Seifert said:

"“There is still no clear plan, we are looking at different strategies. The games will remain suspended until April 30th. We asked the clubs to set up worst-case scenarios. The fact is that some clubs may face existential situations in May or June if the season is canceled and discontinued.”“We aim to end the season by June 30th, and that is still the status today. Theoretically, it could extend into July. We will also talk to FIFA about a change in the transfer window and its regulations.”“The aim is to give all clubs, everyone, the opportunity and the time to deal with the effects of the corona pandemic.”"

Seifert also added that the usual nine point deduction for bankruptcy is suspended in the current season, while next season the penalty would be three points.

The Bundesliga has been suspended due to the coronavirus crisis since March 12, and two match-days have already been lost as a result. Each team still has nine games remaining, with the exception of Eintracht Frankfurt and Werder Bremen, who have ten of their 34 matches left.

The season was originally due to end on May 16th, but there are still a total of 163 games to be played in the top two division of German football.