No spectators at the round of 16 "dahoam" between FC Bayern and Chelsea. It is not yet clear whether there will be other possible ghost games for the Munich team.
Munich (AP) - The fans have to stay outside - FC Bayern are playing against Chelsea in front of empty ranks for the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The return leg on Wednesday next week will take place behind closed doors.
"With this, FC Bayern is implementing the Bavarian government's decree, which was issued to protect the population. The aim is to minimize the risk of infection with the corona virus," said the German soccer record champion on Tuesday on his website.
FC Bayern communicated the decision to UEFA on the same day. Due to the spread of the novel corona virus, the Free State of Bavaria had previously canceled events with more than 1,000 people until April 19 inclusive. How the games will be played during this period has not yet been decided, said Bayern.
In the Bundesliga, Munich will host Eintracht Frankfurt on March 22 and Fortuna Düsseldorf on April 11. Should the German record champions in a probable premier-class quarter-finals on 7/8. April home right, this game would also be affected.
In Bavaria, the international game of the German national team is also affected by the measures. The classic against Italy on March 31 in Nuremberg will also take place without a spectator due to the corona virus.
The Bundesliga top game of FC Bayern on April 4 at Borussia Dortmund will also take place in front of empty ranks, according to the city of Dortmund. The Bundesliga duel between Union Berlin and Munich on Saturday evening, on the other hand, will be held with an audience. This was announced by the Berlin football club on Tuesday after consultation with the local authorities.