This archive report was first published on 7 May 2020.
On May 16, the Bundesliga will become the first top European league to restart matches since the COVID-19 pandemic forced lockdown measures across the continent.
Twenty-four hours after Chancellor Angela Merkel's government gave the German Football League (DFL) the green light to return, the league announced the restart date.
However, Christian Seifert, CEO of the DFL, warned clubs they are 'on probation' and must adhere to strict hygiene guidelines to ensure the campaign is completed.
Clubs are under pressure to get their players ready, with all teams required to go into a one-week quarantine training camp before the restart.
Defending champions Bayern Munich will move their stars into a hotel on Saturday to prepare, while Borussia Dortmund will host arch-rivals Schalke in the Ruhr derby at Signal Iduna Park.
Instead of being roared on by an 81,000 crowd, the match will be played in a near-empty stadium with a maximum number of 300 people, including both teams, allowed at each game.
Referees are also being tested, and the onus is on the players to follow the hygiene guidelines, including avoiding contact at all times.
Hertha Berlin striker Salomon Kalou was suspended earlier this week for posting a video on social media where he shook hands with team-mates, highlighting the importance of adhering to the guidelines.
