Published 09:41 IST, April 20th 2020
Bundesliga return in May unlikely after Germany extends national lockdown: Report
German Chancellor Angela Markel has extended the lockdown in the country amid the Germany coronavirus menace making it difficult for Bundesliga to resume soon.
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German Chancellor Angela Markel has extended the lockdown in the country amidst the Germany coronavirus menace. The lockdown extension has shattered the proposed return for the Bundesliga. The league has been under suspension since March as new regulations suggest that not more than two people can gather at a place.
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Bundesliga return: Germany extends lockdown
Bundesliga CEO Christian Seifert has been optimistic about the return of the competition from next month. However, in an interview with the New York Times, he has claimed that it takes around 240 people to stage one Bundesliga game. But with the lockdown being extended with new guidelines, it will be an uphill task to host the games.
Bundesliga suspended: Uphill task to ensure Bundesliga return
The lockdown has been extended until August, which might make it difficult to play the next season as well. Germany’s federal polity is also likely to pose complications for Bundesliga. It is reported that despite the country lifting lockdown in the future, each of the 16 states possesses the authority to decide on the games.
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Bundesliga return: Clubs suffer heavy financial loss
Several top clubs are likely to be reduced to ruins amid the financial crisis that has ensued due to the suspension of Bundesliga. Clubs like Schalke 04 and Paderborn might find it difficult to cope with the financial crisis if the Bundesliga return is delayed. Paderborn’s Managing Director Martin Przondziono said that they can barely manage to survive within the next two months since they heavily rely on revenues provided by TV broadcasters.
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Also Read | After Premier League and FA Cup, Bundesliga suspended till April 2 because of Coronavirus
Bundesliga return: Germany affected by coronavirus
Broadcasters are yet to pay the £264 million revenue ($330 million) to teams, which they will by May 2. In Germany, more than 138,000 coronavirus cases have been reported, while 4,105 people have succumbed in the Germany coronavirus situation. This might mean that the competition will not resume anytime soon.
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09:41 IST, April 20th 2020