Germany’s top two professional soccer divisions will resume play May 16, becoming the world’s first major team-sports leagues to return amid the novel coronavirus. The Bundesliga and its second division received the go-ahead Wednesday, when German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced they would be allowed to return under heavy precautionary measures.
“I think we can safely state that the first level of the pandemic is behind us,” Merkel said while announcing a number of easing measures following discussions with state premiers.
The 36 teams in Germany’s top two divisions met via video conference Thursday to hash out the specifics of the resumed schedule, which was halted March 13 with each team having nine matches remaining. Six games will be played on May 16, another two on May 17 and then one more on May 18. Games will be played in the order of the original schedule. All of the games will be played without fans present, and only around 300 people will be allowed into the stadiums for each game.
