The Bavarian Football Association pulled the emergency brake and suspended the games until March 23 due to the corona crisis. Here are the most important questions and answers.
Munich - The Bavarian Football Association (BFV) provides the most important answers to the corona virus and the suspension of matches in a press release.
Which games are affected by the measure?
All official league and cup matches in the Free State are suspended at association, district and district level. The regulation applies to all game classes from the Regionalliga Bayern down to the C-Class - in all age groups for women and men, juniors.
Are the dropped games made up?
Of course, it is in the interest of the BFV and its clubs that catch-up dates are found, all games of the 2019/20 season are played and the season ends regularly. As of now, however, it is not possible to provide an assessment of whether and to what extent the resumption of gaming operations is to be brought into line with the recommendations or specifications of the responsible authorities.
Why was the decision made now?
Until Friday morning (March 13, 2020), the Bavarian State Government canceled events with more than 1000 participants across the board, which is not the case for the majority of amateur football games in Bavaria. In addition, the extremely different situation assessments and procedures of the local authorities turned out to be problematic and increasingly burdensome for the BFV and its associations. For example, in the telephone conference held on Thursday with all 18 Bavarian regional leagues, it became clear that the handling of the 1000 visitor limit for events across Bavaria is interpreted very differently by the local contacts and local authorities for the clubs. Bavaria's Prime Minister decided today and took further measures. Accordingly, events with over 100 visitors are prohibited. Meetings with less than 100 visitors may only be held if they are absolutely necessary. Such events may even require approval.
Why is the suspension only until March 23 and no longer?
We are experiencing an extremely dynamic situation in the spread of the coronavirus, to which we have to react flexibly. The suspension until March 23rd provides the first planning security for everyone involved. At the same time, unlike a general cancellation, there is also the option of reacting to an improvement in the situation. The protection of health is a priority for the Bavarian Football Association, but the BFV is also obliged to enable and maintain orderly game operations in line with its responsibility for the clubs and members in accordance with the general conditions. The BFV will assess the situation several times a day and make further decisions with planning security for everyone involved.
Is it possible to extend the suspension?
Yes! The Bavarian Football Association constantly assesses the current situation and is therefore in close contact with the responsible authorities and, of course, follows all government orders and recommendations. If necessary, the BFV will extend the suspension or possibly even stop the game completely. We expressly point out that this situation is currently not yet available.
Friendly matches and test matches are not official association matches and are therefore only subject to the regulations and responsibility of the Bavarian Football Association to a limited extent. However, the BFV will not provide any referees for friendly and friendly matches for the period in which official play is suspended. The BFV also advises all clubs not to play friendly or friendly matches during this period. At the moment everyone should do their part to curb or slow down the spread of the Conoravirus. Football cannot be excluded here.
Are clubs allowed to keep the training going?
There is no binding regulation for training operations. Nevertheless, the BFV expressly recommends its clubs to suspend training activities in all age groups until March 23. At the same time, the BFV points out that training units (events for 100 people!) May also have to be approved by the local authorities, as Prime Minister Markus Söder said today. The responsibility lies with the municipality.
What effects does the suspension have on Bavarian talent promotion?
The course measures and base training courses will be suspended throughout Bavaria for the time being, and the Oberhaching sports school will remain closed until further notice. It is not yet clear when the measures to promote talent will resume. All affected parties will receive relevant notifications here.
Training, other BFV events?
In general, all BFV training courses and educational offers are also canceled. In individual cases, however, it is checked whether an event can be held as a webinar. Registered participants for a training or educational measure will be informed about the further procedure by e-mail.
Source: BFV
