Three club members at FC Köln test positive for coronavirus ahead of decision on Bundesliga restart

FC Köln have announced that three people at the club have tested positive for coronavirus, but player training will continue as normal.

Bundesliga side FC Köln released a statement on Friday saying that three members of the club, who have not been named out of respect for their privacy, have tested positive for Covid-19 despite previously showing no signs or symptoms for the disease. All players, coaches and support staff of the Billy Goats were tested for coronavirus on Thursday.

According to BILD, two players and a member of the coaching staff have been infected. The three people who have tested positive will now spend the next 14 days at home in quarantine, but the players will continue to train as planned, following the measures that have been in place since last month. The decision was made after consultation with Dr. Tim Meyer, the head of the Bundesliga’s coronavirus task-force.

In a statement on FC Köln’s website, Dr. Meyer said:

"“We now see in everyday life that our concept recognises and reduces risks at an early stage. We will always be in close contact with the responsible health authorities and medical experts. We are convinced that with our concept, we can enable players to practice their profession with the best possible protection against infection.”"

The DFL confirmed yesterday that they will be testing players, coaches and other stuff of all 36 professional clubs in Germany up to twice a week. The first coronavirus tests were carried out at all 36 clubs on Thursday and Friday.

The news comes less than a week before a decision is due to be made by the German political leaders on whether or not the Bundesliga should be given a green light to restart games behind closed doors. It remains to be seen if to be seen if this will have any impact on next week’s decision.