The political blessing makes the German top-flight the first of Europe's five major leagues to return to the field. "Matches will be allowed under the approved rules," said Merkel at a press conference in Berlin, referring to a plan by the German Football League (DFL) for the Bundesliga to resume in empty stadiums and with players regularly tested. Teams returned to training on April 6 although sessions have followed stringent social distancing rules and players are not allowed to change at training grounds. "The video has done the German league and professional football a disservice," Anja Stahmann, who chairs Germany's regional sports ministers, told RBB radio on Wednesday. The French league announced last week it will not resume the Ligue 1 or Ligue 2 seasons, with Paris Saint-Germain being awarded the top-flight title.

Source: Daily Nation May 06, 2020 14:30 UTC