German FA is set to debunk the popular saying that football without fans is nothing
It’s hard to imagine a football stadium, or any other sport, without the presence of agitated, die-hard fans. For football lovers around the world, these past few months dealing with the pandemic have been the hardest as the great game has been on pause for over two months. Whether you are a regular at the stands or the one who prefers to cheer from behind the TV screen, you have definitely felt the void of not seeing your favorite team in action.
WHEN WILL THE GAME RETURN?
One can’t say for certain when things will be normal again on the pitch and in the stands as the pandemic continues to affect the daily lives of people around the world.
However, if you’re a Bundesliga fan, you might not have to wonder for too long as the German soccer league seeks to return to action amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Working closely with league organizer’s, Germany’s Football Association is dedicated to ensuring safe protocols to protect those who will be involved in the marches played once the league resumes.
Chief editor of ’11 Fruende – a soccer publication – Phillip Köster admits that reopening the league is an “experiment with an unknown outcome” and if the measures taken by the German FA are successful, then it only provides a guide for other leagues to follow.
THE GERMAN APPROACH
The top-flight division attracts over 40,000 people every game making it an obvious avenue of profit for the industry. But now, the German FA is set to debunk the popular saying that football without fans is nothing. Rather than allow throngs of people to fill the stadiums, only 322 will be able to attend the matches will be played behind closed doors.
This group of lucky fans will be further split into three distinct zones being the stadium exterior and interior and the stands. An additional 115 consisting of journalists, hygiene staff and emergency personnel will also be limited to the stands while 109 people consisting mainly of security personnel will also be present.
98 people, including players, coaches and referees will be allowed around the pitch. The FA will also impose a limit on who is permitted to the stadium.
Indeed these are unfamiliar times we must all learn to adapt to and with a game like football so widely loved and played across the globe, it is crucial to ensure that measures are carefully taken to protect all parties involved.
As Germany walks up to the penalty spot, the world of football watches with baited breath to see if the Bundesliga will be able to set a new standard for all to follow.
