Update: Sky satisfied – DFL terminates Bundesliga restart

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Politicians gave the Bundesliga the green light this Wednesday to continue the season from mid-May. The DFL has already converted this steep template into a specific date.

The DFL has finally pulled the presumed plan for the Bundesliga restart out of the drawer. The season continues on May 15th, the league presidency has already determined according to the “picture”. The requirement to send the teams to quarantine-style training camps beforehand will not be a problem when it comes to scheduling. However, a schedule for the games still outstanding until June 30 has not yet been published.

What is still important now is the video conference of the 36 clubs with the DFL on Thursday. There, the clubs will most likely be given the specific timetable. Pay-TV broadcaster Sky is now relieved to continue the season in the Bundesliga.

“We welcome today’s political decision and, together with our customers and all fans, are pleased that the Bundesliga will soon continue – albeit in the form of ghost games,” said Sky in a statement on Wednesday. “The safety and health of everyone involved is the top priority.”

It is open whether the streaming service DAZN can still broadcast games live this season. He had acquired a sublicense from Eurosport. However, Eurosport is said not to have made an advance payment to the DFL for the TV premiums. If this money is not transferred, DAZN could be left out, according to media reports. 14 games would be affected.

With regard to television broadcasts, a decision still needs to be made as to whether the integration of free TV channels will be absolutely necessary. Because today’s conference of the Federal Government with the Prime Ministers also dealt with the reopening of catering establishments. These play a role that should not be underestimated in the politicians’ debate about freely accessible ghost games.

The federal states should gradually allow the restaurants to open again within the coming weeks, taking into account the prevailing risk situation. This also applies to the sky bars.

It is quite possible that, at least not yet immediately after the Bundesliga restart in all federal states, you can watch football in pubs again. A free TV transition solution for one or two game days is therefore the most likely solution.