The Bundesliga looks set to be the first league to resume after the coronavirus-induced suspension. However, their return, which was tipped to take place mid-May, has reportedly been delayed.
Reuters recently reported that Chancellor Angela Merkel has all but accepted the German top-flight's plan to get the season back underway by May 15. This claim, while unconfirmed by governmental, was widely welcomed by fans eager to see live football return to the screens.
However, the Athletic writes that this date has now been delayed. They report that the government will enforce a two-week quarantine for each team before the 2019/20 campaign can resume.
The Bundesliga will be allowed back but not immediately. Government requires a two week quarantine for all teams. Earliest return on May 22, might even be 29. More on @TheAthleticUK soon.
— Raphael Honigstein (@honigstein) May 6, 2020
This 14-day quarantine could be a training camp, which would see the players isolate themselves. Lockdown measures are set to be eased in Germany, given that their handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the success stories. Despite this, the likes of Bayern Munich, Dortmund, and RB Leipzig might now have to wait until May 22 at the earlier to continue their fight for the title.
Lewandowski and Co. currently lead the standings by four points, sitting ahead of second-placed BVB. The Bavarians are keen on getting their hands on the title once again but recent developments have caused concerns.
Testing has begun as a measurement for safeguarding the safety of the players, coaches, and other staff members. However, after two rounds it was revealed that 10 people tested positive for the coronavirus.
Regardless, the Bundesliga is leading the race to resume the campaign. The question is how long will fans have to wait until they can watch German top-flight players kicking a ball once again?
UPDATE
Athletic reporter Raphael Honigstein later tweeted an update, revealing that the two-week quarantine point was removed from Merkel's second proposal, all but clearing the way for the Bundesliga to resume on May 15.
Update! Merkel's initial proposal (leaked to media) demanded "a two-week quarantine" for Bundesliga clubs. A second version has now crucially removed the "two-week" bit. One week, as per the league's medical paper, might be seen as sufficient - which would bring us back to May 15
— Raphael Honigstein (@honigstein) May 6, 2020
Shortly afterward, it was confirmed that the government has allowed the German top-flight to return to action in the 2nd half of May.
