Football stadiums may for the time being only be used to a maximum of 50 per cent of their capacity, but not more than 15,000 spectatorsn. That is the decision of the federal-state roundtable on Thursday. Nevertheless, there is a threat of ghost games in individual federal states.
In a conference, the Minister Presidents of the federal states as well as Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) and her designated successor Olaf Scholz (SPD) have agreed on measures to combat the Corona pandemic. As was to be expected, this also affects football.
According to the agreement, clubs will only be allowed to use 50 per cent of the stadium capacity, with a maximum of 15,000 spectators for the time being. In addition, the 2G rule will be applied, meaning that only vaccinated and convalescent persons will be admitted. In addition, “2G Plus” may apply, in which case visitors would also have to show a negative test. Masks are also compulsory at all times.
The DFL reacted with understanding to the restrictions. “In this situation, we need a differentiated, comprehensible and, above all, effective strategy from the politicians. A temporary restriction on the admission of fans to the stadiums is therefore understandable in principle,” said managing director Christian Seifert. “The DFL hopes that this decision by the federal and state governments will lay the groundwork for a speedy improvement in the pandemic situation. The DFL and its clubs will of course continue to support all vaccination efforts. “
In part because a reduction in spectators was to be expected, Borussia Dortmund had already cancelled all tickets sold for the top match against Bayern Munich on Saturday this week. BVB officials had last hoped for a capacity of 26,000.
In individual federal states, ghost matches are to be expected despite the regulations that have been made. These already exist in Saxony, and the respective state governments of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria are also planning to completely exclude visitors. Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) had called for a nationwide uniform line on Tuesday, but independently announced football matches without spectators in Bavaria.
Comparable rules apply to indoor sports such as basketball, handball or ice hockey. There, a maximum of 5,000 spectators are allowed for the time being.
