German Football League (DFB) to Resume Bundesliga Season

The German Football League (DFB) plans to resume the Bundesliga season on May 15, which has been suspended since March due to COVID-19, according to the "Bild" newspaper.

This information follows the decision taken on Wednesday by Chancellor Angela Merkel's government and regional leaders to give the green light for the resumption of matches, behind closed doors, and under strict security and hygiene measures.

"Today's decision is good news for the Bundesliga's first and second divisions. It is also linked to a great responsibility for the clubs, who must comply with medical and organizational rules," said DFL Managing Director Christian Seiffert regarding the political authorization.

Seiffert admitted that closed-door matches are not the ideal solution, but at the same time, it is the only way to finish the season, which is necessary to ensure the existence of some clubs.

It is now expected that club officials and the DFB will meet on Thursday to define the next steps until the season resumes.

Bayern Munich's Chairman of the Executive Board, Karlheinz Rummenigge, expressed his gratitude in advance to the political authorities for their decision and highlighted that this will allow the title to be decided "on the field and not in the offices."

Bayern, with four points ahead of Borussia Dortmund, is currently the leader with nine matchdays remaining.

Rummenigge also thanked the DFL for the development of the precautionary plan and urged for its disciplined implementation.

Dortmund's Managing Director, Hans-Joachim Watzke, said that his club was aware of the responsibility and recalled that containing the pandemic had only been possible thanks to the discipline of people throughout Germany.

"It's only because people have shown incredible discipline that we can gradually return to another form of normality," he said.

"Many sectors are returning to their activities under strict rules, and football is also doing the same. In that context, at Borussia Dortmund, we are aware of our responsibility," he added.

Watzke also acknowledged that playing behind closed doors is not the best for a team like Dortmund, who thrives on the support of their fans. However, the alternative of waiting for matches with spectators was not feasible.

Most clubs started training a few weeks ago, although in pairs or small groups. Last Thursday, testing began for all first and second division players, technical staff, and other individuals involved in the matches.