Bundesliga: DFL recommends suspension from Tuesday

The objective remains to complete the season by the summer – in part for sporting reasons, but in particular because bringing the season to a premature end could pose an existential threat to some clubs. During the course of the international break, all the clubs shall determine how to proceed based on the information available at the time – including, for example, the international match calendar.

Close exchange with the health authorities

As regards the coming weekend, both the DFL and the clubs remain in close contact with the German Ministry of Health and the local health authorities based in the districts of the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 stadia. The health of the entire population and therefore of all football fans, as well as all the players in the Bundesliga and the Bundesliga 2, remains the highest priority. It goes without saying that the official directives shall continue to be applied in every case. The whole of society and the entire football family face an unprecedented challenge.

In accordance with the instructions from the local authorities, all the Matchday 26 fixtures in the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 – which begin today – will be played behind closed doors. The DFL, plus many clubs and fan groups, have issued a call for people to avoid gathering in front of the stadia and to make their contribution towards protecting the population. In the coming round of fixtures, the clubs will reduce the personnel involved in and around the game to a minimum.

Hannover against Dresden called off

However, the match between Hannover 96 and SG Dynamo Dresden has been removed from the fixture list by the DFL. This follows the news that two Hannover 96 players tested positive to the Coronavirus. As a result, all the players were ordered to go into quarantine at home by the club's local health office due to the risk factors involved.

Despite some media reports to the contrary, the match between FC Erzgebirge Aue and SV Sandhausen will go ahead as scheduled. The health department of the Erzgebirge district has confirmed to the DFL that it will be possible to play the match behind closed doors. (DFL)