A general view of the Volkswagen Arena of the German Bundesliga football club VfL Wolfsburg is seen in Wolfsburg on April 24, 2020. (PHOTO / AFP)

BERLIN — A strict hygiene concept has been set up by German football to return to league action as soon as possible.

The exact date for a re-start depends on the approval of politics and health authorities.

The 2019/2020 season has come to hold since mid-March due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. Statements indicate that the Bundesliga and the second division could take up games behind closed doors as early as May 9. Other reports speak of a re-start at the end of May.

Nine rounds of matches must be run to finish the season orderly.

We received inquiries from several other leagues. Despite Germany's situation regarding the infection rate is still fairly low the concept might be considered as a role model to follow for other countries when the particular situation is improving

Professor Dr Tim Meyer

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To minimize the risk of infections by avoiding contacts in all re-game situations and training sessions is the leading principle, Professor Dr Tim Meyer told Xinhua in an interview.

The 52-year-old is the head of the task force installed to develop convincing solutions allowing so-called ghost-games without a crowd.

Meyer is the team doctor of the German national team since 2001 and the head of the German federation's medical commission.

"We received inquiries from several other leagues. Despite Germany's situation regarding the infection rate is still fairly low the concept might be considered as a role model to follow for other countries when the particular situation is improving," the medical expert commented.

Strict measures have been set up for training and match-days.

Frequently testing will be the biggest challenge for footballers, coaches, and staff next to adopting new routines while preparing for games and in training sessions, Meyer said.

"All protagonists are aware of the need to follow strict rules at home in their private life," he added.

Meyer gave detailed insights into the medical commissions' concept.

For instance, teams will have to travel to the stadiums in small groups in different buses. Players will be forced to clean their boots and action gear themselves. Hotel rooms won't be cleaned while used.

The kit manager has to wear protection gear when around.

Meyer said the concept doesn't contain specific rules on the pitch "as we want to keep football authentical."

Referees travel on match-day to the games. Regional referees with a corresponding first division license are no longer excluded.

Match-day measures

Arenas are divided into three zones, such as pitch, stands, and outside space.

Only 98 people are allowed around the pitch, including players, coaches, referees, and a minimal number of staff.

100 persons on the stands, including TV crews and security staff.

Teams will travel in several smaller buses to the arena and using different ways to the locker rooms. Every unit is spread over several places, showers must be taken at home. Personalized drinking bottles are in use, and prepacked food is supplied.

No team photos are taken to avoid gatherings. There will be no opening ceremonies, handshakes, club mascots, and escort-kids when teams enter the pitch.

Press conferences are held online after the game.

"It might be a new situation for coaches waking up in the morning, not knowing which players are available as they have to wait for the test results," Meyer said.

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Testing

Testing is going to start as soon as regular team training is allowed.

There will be pre-games testing's a day before. Players face up to two test per week depending on the number of games. "If there are two games, we will have two tests.

Reports speak of up to 25,000 tests needed.

5 large laboratories are prepared to do the testing.

Meyer pointed out it is part of the concept to isolate players with symptoms and positive tests. To isolate entire teams isn't intended.

Training

Two to three weeks of team training are said to be necessary to secure the required fitness level.

Using fitness machines, players must wear disposable gloves and masks.

Disinfection liquid has to be used.

"All the procedures will take much longer than usually," Meyer said.