The new type of corona virus has an ever greater impact on sport. After the cancellation or rescheduling of several events, football in Germany could soon be affected.
Frankfurt / Main (dpa) - The new type of corona virus has arrived in Germany. Nevertheless, all games in the Bundesliga and next quarter in the DFB Cup are scheduled to take place on weekends as planned.
But what happens if the virus spreads quickly? The German Press Agency answers the most important questions.
What measures have the clubs and umbrella organizations for football already taken?
So far there are no concrete measures. However, the DFL and the DFB are in contact with the Federal Ministry of Health. According to Tim Meyer, national team doctor and head of the Medical Commission of the German Football Association, football has to prepare and prepare itself "so that we can quickly and competently implement any measures from top to bottom".
Who can cancel a game?
In the event of a risk to players and spectators, only the local health authorities can cancel a game because, in addition to aspects of infection prevention, aspects of public life as a whole must also be taken into account. "Football is only a part of it," said Meyer in an interview published on the DFB homepage. A game cancellation would take place in close coordination with the clubs concerned and the DFL or the DFB. However, the two umbrella organizations are not entitled to cancel a game because they do not act as organizers.
How shortly can a game be canceled?
This can happen until the stadium gates open a few hours before kick-off, as the recent examples have shown. Both the Bundesliga match between Borussia Mönchengladbach and 1. FC Köln on February 9, as well as the Europa League game by Eintracht Frankfurt at RB Salzburg on Thursday were canceled due to storm warnings on the scheduled match day.
What would cancellations and transfers mean with regard to the Bundesliga schedule?
There would be a chaos of appointments, because alternative dates are rare in the final phase of a season. It would be particularly close if clubs were involved that are still involved in the DFB Cup and the European Cup competitions. These are Bayern Munich in the Champions League and Bayer Leverkusen and probably Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League.
If there is a ghost game - who can be there?
First: Even a game without a spectator - for DFB doctor Meyer "certainly a consideration that can be considered" - can only be ordered by the local health authorities. This is also in the sense of the DFL and DFB, because such a decision would practically cost the host club the right of home and at the same time deprive it of income from ticket sales. Should this happen, there would be coaches, ball boys, stadium staff and journalists in the stadium in addition to the teams involved.
Who will compensate the fans?
Such demands should be made to the clubs concerned as the organizers of the games.
Meyer interview on DFB homepage
