Leipzig (dpa) – The federal government’s entry ban is causing uncertainty in professional football and possibly shaking the Champions League schedule.
It is currently completely unclear whether RB Leipzig can play their first leg of the first leg against Liverpool on February 16 in their own stadium. The reason is the entry ban for people from particularly affected corona mutation areas, which also includes Great Britain, in force since January 30. An exception for professional football is not anchored in the regulation.
“Footballers are in a certain bubble. I think there should be a solution to let the home game take place. Our goal is not to play in St. Petersburg or anywhere else as an alternative,” said RB CEO Oliver Mintzlaff Sky. “It’s an issue that gives us stomach ache. But I’m sure we will find a solution.” The regulation is initially valid until February 17th, making Leipzig the only affected German team in the premier class. Borussia Mönchengladbach’s game against Manchester City is scheduled for February 24th.
In the coming days, RB wants to contact the European Football Union UEFA. UEFA has not yet issued a statement on the new circumstances. If Leipzig is not allowed to play its home game, a corona circle would cynically close for the club. Last season’s round of 16 game against Tottenham was the last in Europe in a sold-out stadium. Now another novelty threatens in the round of the last 16 if the first game of this season was postponed due to Corona.
Sometimes the new regulation could even have an impact on the transfer market. Players from Great Britain, Portugal, Brazil or Ireland could therefore currently not be obliged to use them immediately. The government document only provides for exceptions for people with residence and right of residence in Germany. Accordingly, Bayer Leverkusen could only complete the planned transfer of Demarai Gray from Leicester City with a special permit, so that he is directly available. The changing window ends on February 1st at 6 p.m.
When asked, the Federal Ministry of Health referred to the Federal Ministry of the Interior, from where there was initially no comment. There are exceptions in the regulation, but professional sport is not listed there. A spokesman for the Federal Ministry of Health did not want to comment on individual cases in the ARD “Sportschau”. In general, however, the report said that there would only be the exceptions that were explicitly mentioned in the regulation.
The federal government has imposed extensive entry bans out of concern about the further spread of mutated corona viruses. These apply to people from Great Britain, South Africa, Portugal, Brazil and Ireland, among others. There is a transport ban for airlines, rail, bus and shipping companies. Exceptions apply to all Germans and foreigners living in Germany as well as to transit passengers and the movement of goods.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210131-99-241890 / 3
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