With a decision set to be made about the resumption of the Bundesliga this week, it's been revealed that ten people connected to teams in the top two divisions have tested positive for coronavirus.
Cologne had already announced that three people at the club tested positive for coronavirus - yet training will continue ahead of the Bundesliga's return.
The German top flight looks set to become the first major league to return to action as the world continues to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic, but there have been more positive tests in the build-up.
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 16 at the earliest.
Meanwhile, 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.
🇪🇸 LaLiga boss Javier Tebas on when they can return to action...
— Sporting Life Football (@SportingLifeFC) May 3, 2020
💬 "I hope it will be in June. We have time, there’s no need to rush. I can foresee finishing the league, which is very important for us." pic.twitter.com/YV5EMvVpGh
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.
The Ligue de Football Professionnel in France says it has taken out a loan in order to pay clubs in the top two tiers the broadcasting revenue they were due to receive for the remainder of the 2019-20 season.
The French season has been forced to conclude by a government order, with Paris St Germain declared champions.
How does the return of football stand around Europe?
- Premier League: Project Restart aims to begin behind closed doors matches in June but neutral venues are citical and several teams are opposed to that at present.
- EFL: There are plenty of unhappy parties in the English Football League (EFL) but there's no clear indication of what will happen as yet. Chairman Rick Parry talking about fans being able to watch their teams play behind closed doors through would suggest they aim to finish the season.
- Non-League: National League clubs held a vote and decided to end the current season and cancelled their remaining fixtures. Promotion and relegation issues are yet to be decided.
- Scotland: It's a bit of a mess. A vote among the 42 SPFL clubs came out in favour of ending the season of all leagues below the Premiership, but that has not gone down too well with everyone, with legal threats now ensuing.
- Germany - Bundesliga: German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that any decision on if and when sports activities could resume would now be taken on Wednesday, 6 May, with the Bundesliga now hoping to resume between May 16 - May 23.
- Spain - La Liga: LaLiga president Javier Tebas does not believe his country should cancel the league like France and the Netherlands. However, Spanish health minister Salvador Illa has claimed football is unlikely to be allowed to return until the summer.
- France Ligue 1: One of the leagues to take decisive action, France have handed PSG the title and confirmed European places, promotion and relegation on a points per game basis from the final standings.
- Italy Serie A: Teams are due to be back in training on May 18 after an announcement by Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.
- Netherlands Eredivisie: The Dutch FA announced they would be voiding the current season and not crowning any champions with Ajax and AZ Alkmaar level on points at the top.
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