Bundesliga Confirms May 16 Return With Borussia Dortmund Vs Schalke Derby

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Bundesliga Confirms May 16 Return With Borussia Dortmund Vs Schalke Derby

The Bundesliga season will restart on May 16, becoming the first European league to resume amid the coronavirus epidemic.

The German Football League (DFL) said the season would resume under the terms of a strict health protocol that bans fans from the stadium, with several matches including the Ruhr valley derby between Borussia Dortmund and Schalke taking place on the relaunch day.

While it was no normal restart given the empty stands and other restrictions, it was crucial to resume play, DFL CEO Christian Seifert told a news conference.

He was speaking after a meeting with first and second division clubs following the government’s decision on Wednesday to give the green light for the Bundesliga restart and throw a financial lifeline to the cash-strapped clubs.

The DFL is desperate to finish the season by June 30, even without spectators, to be contractually in compliance with sponsors and broadcasters.

It had warned any further delay could be “existence-threatening” for some clubs.