Player vaccination and number of fans in stadiums discussed ahead of Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich

Borussia Dortmund will welcome 67500 fans to the Westfalenstadion for their clash against Bayern Munich in December, according to Bild.

The topic of vaccination has been one of importance in Germany as of recent weeks. With COVID-19 cases on the rise, much attention has been brought to the topic of player vaccinations and just how many fans should be allowed in stadiums despite the changing pandemic conditions. The premier of North Rhine Westphalia, Hendrik Wüst, has spoken out on the topic ahead of Dortmund’s clash against Bayern Munich on December 4th.

“Activities of joint sports practice in competition and training on and in sports facilities in amateur and professional sports may now only be performed by vaccinated people. However, as a transitional measure, professional athletes may present a PCR test.” Hendrik Wüst

This measure will allow those who are unvaccinated or had COVID-19 recently to get the vaccine in the coming weeks and months. As of right now, all of Dortmund’s first team and under-23 players are vaccinated and/or have recently recovered from the virus. Currently, Thorgan Hazard remains in quarantine after contracting the virus.

These comments also come in the advent of growing discontent in Bayern Munich’s camp regarding the question of players and the need to get vaccinated. Criticism has been pinned on the likes of Joshua Kimmich for not getting vaccinated, both from a health-safety and sporting perspective.

Five players who don the colors of the Bavarian giants have had to go into quarantine after coming in contact with COVID-19. Aside from the very obvious health implications associated with each player’s vaccination status, club frustration surely also comes from a sporting perspective in particular, as players who must quarantine are inherently unavailable for matches when they come in contact with or come down with COVID-19. Clubs around Germany have already seen the crippling effect the virus can have on player availability, and teams in all divisions seem to be moving towards mandating the vaccine for professionals.

Aside from the vaccination requirements, there is currently no change in the amount of fans that will be allowed in the stadium for the upcoming Der Klassiker. 67500 fans will be allowed in the Westfalenstadion and per NRW authorities. The only difference is that a 2G rule now applies, which means that only those who have been vaccinated or have recovered from the virus will be able to go to the stadium to watch the game.