Indefinite Stop of Bundesliga Due To Corona Virus

The 36 clubs in Germany’s two top divisions have accepted the proposal by the German Football League (DFL) to put the competitions on hold until April 2 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the DFL’s chief executive said on Monday.

The Bundesliga and second-tier sides agreed on the move during a general meeting in Frankfurt and will come together again in April to make another decision.

“It doesn’t mean we will restart the competition after this date,” chief executive Christian Seifert said.

“Our biggest enemy is the coronavirus, but our second biggest enemy is the state of uncertainty.

“For now, no-one can say in good faith when football will restart,” he added.

If the health situation allows it the DFL would prefer to hold matches behind closed doors to keep hold of the income from television rights which the professional outfits heavily depend on.

“The league doesn’t expect to return on April 3 and nobody can say when or if it can continue” Seifert said. “I am aware that football is viewed a billion-dollar business. But at the center of it all is the game itself, and the 56,000 jobs dependent on it every match day. Without sponsorship and TV income, those jobs and the very existence of clubs is in danger. We have to find solutions to continue our business.”