Soccer

Bundesliga says 10 positives out of 1,724 coronavirus tests at 36 clubs

Individuals had been isolated; second wave of testing to take place this week

A member of the Schalke coaching staff carries a goal off the field after a training session in Gelsenkirchen on April 29th. Photograph: Friedemann Vogel/EPA

Mon May 4 2020 - 15:11

Ten individuals connected to clubs in the top two divisions of German football have tested positive for coronavirus.

The German Football League (DFL) said 1,724 tests had been conducted on players and staff at the 36 first and second tier sides since last Thursday, who are building towards a return to action this month subject to government approval.

The DFL said the 10 individuals had been isolated and that a second round of testing on all participants would take place this week as clubs build towards a return to team training.

A decision on whether the DFL’s plans meet with government approval is expected on Wednesday, with the Bundesliga now not likely to resume until May 16th at the earliest.

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In Spain, the national federation (RFEF) says it shares the desire of 2020 Copa del Rey finalists Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad to delay the final until such a time as it can be safely played in front of a crowd.

The RFEF said it would look at an “appropriate time” for the game to be played either later this year or in 2021, provided it was played in advance of the 2021 Copa del Rey final.

Meanwhile, former Watford striker Marvin Sordell says players in England should be given the right to refuse to play amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“You have to respect people’s opinions in this. Many will say they earn a lot of money so they should just go and play.

“This virus at times is a matter of life and death and any game of football – regardless of the famous saying – football isn’t more than life or death.

“I think people’s own situations need to be respected. If they want to play, and it’s safe to do so, then allow them to play. If they don’t want to play because they don’t think it’s safe to do so, I think that needs to be respected.”

Coronavirus