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After discussions this morning, German chancellor Angela Merkel has decided that the Bundesliga will return anytime after May 15th! May 22nd is the most likely date, as it will allow more time for preparation and because Werder Bremen and Paderborn haven’t returned to training yet. The DFL will meet tomorrow to discuss exactly which day to resume. This decision comes along with the lessening of other restrictions in Germany and after the DFL put forward a clear, strict hygiene plan.
The Bundesliga has been suspended since the start of March due to the Coronavirus. As a result, many clubs in Germany’s first and second divisions faced troublesome futures and high chances of insolvency. Clubs won’t lose out on the broadcast, sponsorship, and other forms of income, meaning that almost all clubs will be able to pay their bills. However, clubs will still lose out on gate receipts as all games will be played behind closed doors.
With this news, the Bundesliga will undoubtedly be the first major European league back to action. This is opposed to the French league which has already been cancelled. Furthermore, due to a lack of football elsewhere, the Bundesliga is likely to experience very high viewing figures and exposure. Not to mention the positives to the millions of fans worldwide of Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and others, that this news brings. In addition, the BL may be able to finish the season before June 30th, which would mean less legal implications to consider for BL clubs.
This news has been confirmed by Chancellor Merkel:
Chancellor Merkel confirms after the Bund/Länder conference it has been agreed that the Bundesliga & 2. Bundesliga can return with ghost games beginning in the 2nd half of May.
— Derek Rae (@RaeComm) May 6, 2020