Germany to allow football fans in stadiums for new season

Some fans will be allowed to return to soccer stadiums when the Bundesliga season starts this weekend, Germany's 16 federal states agreed on Tuesday, a source involved in the talks told Reuters.

Spectators had been banned from stadiums due to the COVID-19 pandemic when the Bundesliga resumed in May after the league was interrupted for about two months.

A six-week trial, during which up to 20% of stadium capacity can be used, was agreed in a video call of regional representatives, said the source, who added that strict hygiene requirements would be imposed and alcohol would be banned.

No away fans will be allowed in and only personalised tickets will be available, ensuring that everyone in the stadium can be traced.

Social distancing measures will be enforced and masks will be mandatory as fans go to their seats. Local officials will decide whether or not masks should be compulsory during matches.

However, if the number of new infections rises to more than 35 per 100,000 inhabitants in seven days and the infection cannot be localised, fans will be banned again, the states agreed.

Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich host Schalke 04 on Friday in the first match of Germany's top flight season.