November 24, (THEWILL) – A request from second-tier team Erzgebirge Aue to interrupt the Bundesliga season owing to mounting coronavirus incidences has been spurned by the German Football League (DFL).
On Wednesday, Germany set a new record for new infections, with 66,884 new infections and 335 new deaths.
The scenario prompted Erzgebirge president Helge Leonhardt to ask for a halt to play until December, stating that football should set an example and prioritise people’s health.
Despite the rising number of cases, full stadiums are still permitted in the Bundesliga, and Olaf Scholz, who is slated to succeed Angela Merkel as Chancellor, is keen to establish vaccine mandates across the country to bring the virus under control.
“The DFL has noted the comments of the president of Erzgebirge Aue,” the league responded, noting that it will take its lead from the government – rather than make its own decisions on coronavirus protocols.
“The approved line of all 36 clubs (in the top two divisions) since the beginning of the pandemic has always been to act based on state guidelines.
“A self-imposed blanket lockdown in the sense of an interruption of the season is not an issue.”
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
