This archive report was first published on 20 May 2020.
As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, European football leagues are slowly resuming their activities. The German Bundesliga, which returned to action on May 16, has become the first major European league to do so, with all matches being played behind closed doors.
However, it was not the first European league to return. The Faroe Islands resumed its league a week earlier, while Belarus was the only European country where football carried on throughout the last two months.
On May 19, football also returned in Estonia, with the top-flight Meistriliiga making its comeback behind closed doors.
Several countries, including England, Spain, and Italy, are still hopeful of completing their seasons, but ongoing concerns about the health crisis mean nothing is set in stone.
England's Premier League clubs are aiming for a return to action by mid-June, despite concerns from some players over their welfare. Six positive cases for coronavirus were detected at three English Premier League clubs after players and staff were tested ahead of a return to training.
Italy's Prime Minister, Giuseppe Conte, has said he needs 'more guarantees' before the green light could finally be given for football to resume. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has said all its competitions, including Serie A, will remain suspended until at least June 14.
Spain's La Liga is targeting a restart on June 12, with players now training in groups of up to 10.
Other countries have already ended their seasons, including France, Belgium, and Scotland. The Netherlands was the first European country to bring an early end to the season on April 24, while France followed suit on April 30.
