Fans could return to stadiums for the start of new Bundesliga season in September
By Tushar Bahl
The Bundesliga 2020/21 season is set to start in September, and concepts are being developed to allow fans to return to stadiums.
According to BILD, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and FC Köln have finalised specific and extensive hygiene concepts that would allow fans back into the stadiums. RB Leipzig have already received the green light from the local health authority for their plan to let around 20,000 fans into the Red Bull Arena when the Bundesliga makes its return in September.
Leipzig’s plan involves issuing personalised tickets which will be drawn by season ticket holders. There should be a space between each fan, and wearing a face mask is a requirement. To reduce the risk of infection, fans should not make the journey to the stadium on public transport. Only domestic fans, and those who stay in the surrounding area will be allowed.
Before last weekend’s game between Borussia Dortmund and Hoffenheim, a company named G2K trialed surveillance cameras which scanned people entering the stadium for fever, whether or not they are wearing masks, and whether social distancing is being observed in the stadium.
The prerequisite, of course, remains that the number of coronavirus infections continue to drop. No final decision has been made yet, and the plans remain under scrutiny with big challenges ahead despite the cautious optimism.
Last month, Germany extended the ban on large events until the start of November. However, events that are able to track infections and comply with the hygiene rules can still take place. Now it is up to the DFL and the clubs to develop a framework that would ensure everyone’s safety.
The Bundesliga is planning to start the new season on September 18, with the first round of the DFB Pokal set to take place a week earlier. The decision on whether to have a shorter winter break, or more mid-week matches has not yet been made.
Borussia Dortmund to return to training in July
Borussia Dortmund are set to make their return to training on July 30. Players will have to be tested for coronavirus twice before they can take part in team training. A training camp in Bad Ragaz, Switzerland is planned for the first half of August.
Next. Bundesliga Team of the Season. dark
Detailed planning and scheduling of pre-season friendly matches will begin once the DFL finalises the schedule for the upcoming season.