BUNDESLIGA GETS CLOSER TO RETURN OF FANS

Germany’s first and second division football clubs on Tuesday said they were prepared to allow some fans back into stadiums next season if the country’s political authorities gave the green light later this month. “The DFL does not expect or demand anything but we are preparing to take this small step (with fans in stadiums) when the time comes,” said German Football League CEO Christian Seifert, pictured. “Priority is not full stadiums but the health situation. We should not take unnecessary risks but we should also not capitulate and just expect it to go away.” The new Bundesliga season starts on Sept. 18. Seifert said that if fans were allowed into stadiums there would be no visiting supporters at least until the end of the year to minimize the risk of infection, no standing tribunes and no alcohol sales. The Bundesliga became the first major football league to restart its season in May after a two- month break, earning praise for its health and safety protocols that were subsequently adopted by other European leagues.