European soccer's return to action after coronavirus

Bern, May 22

Professional soccer leagues around Europe are gearing up for a return to action following the novel coronavirus stoppage, but some are more advanced than others. Here is a roundup of the state of play:

GERMANY

The Bundesliga restarted on May 16 and games were played without fans and with a strict health protocol in place.

The German Cup semifinals will be played on June 9 and 10, with the final scheduled for July 4.

ENGLAND

Premier League clubs returned to training on May 19 after agreeing to allow “small group” sessions to begin, with a possible return to normal ‘contact’ training the week after.

Clubs have been informed that a resumption of matches would see them played only at neutral venues that have been approved by health and safety standards, but they remain hopeful they can still find a way to play games on the usual home and away basis.

Secretary of state for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, Oliver Dowden, on May 14 said the government was “opening the door” for football to return in June.

SPAIN

Clubs in Spain’s top two divisions returned to training in groups of up to 10 players on May 18. La Liga hopes to resume its season in June.

ITALY

There is still doubt over whether Serie A can restart, with government ministers, the Italian federation, the Serie A league and clubs all giving conflicting information.

Sports Minister Vincenzo Spadafora said the government would decide on May 28 if and when the Serie A season can resume. He also announced on May 19 that teams could start full group training immediately.

Serie A clubs previously voted in favour of re-starting the season on June 13.

Italy’s football federation (FIGC) has set Aug. 20 as the deadline for finishing the season and it wants to start next season on Sept. 1.

FRANCE

The season was called off by the government and Paris St Germain crowned champions.

Olympique Lyonnais said they would claim damages after they were denied a European spot. Relegated Amiens and Toulouse also threatened to initiate legal action.

NETHERLANDS

The Dutch FA called time on their season on April 24 after the government banned public events until September. No champion was declared, but it was decided the top five teams at the time of the suspension of the league would compete in next year’s European club competitions.

SCOTLAND

Celtic were declared Scottish champions for a record-equalling ninth successive season while Hearts were relegated after the clubs voted on May 18 to end the Premiership season early. Hearts are considering taking legal action.

Places were decided on a points-per-game average.

The second, third and fourth tier leagues had already ended their seasons after the resolution was passed with a majority vote. — Reuters