This archive report was first published on 15 May 2020.
On Saturday, the German Football League will become the first top European league to resume play during the COVID-19 pandemic. The league has implemented strict measures to minimize the risk of infection, including regular testing of players and staff, and a week-long quarantine for each club before matches.
However, the return to play has not been without controversy. Augsburg's new coach, Heiko Herrlich, has stood himself down for Saturday's match after breaking the quarantine by leaving the team hotel to buy toothpaste. Herrlich apologized for his mistake, saying he did not live up to his function as a role model for his team and the public.
Another player, Salomon Kalou, has been suspended by Hertha Berlin for shaking hands with teammates in a video he posted. The league and politicians slammed Kalou for flaunting the rules, despite his profuse apology.
Despite the challenges, the league is pushing forward with its plans to finish the season by June 30. The clubs hope to claim around 300 million euros in television money, but the fear of an outbreak of the virus within the league could once again halt the season.
As the league returns to play, the onus is on the players to ensure a successful restart. Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said, "Down to the last player, everyone knows to abide by the rules."
On Saturday, Borussia Dortmund will host Schalke in the 156th Ruhr derby, while Bayern Munich will face FC Union on Sunday. The matches will be played in empty stadiums, with players and staff taking precautions to minimize the risk of infection.
