DFL expands its medical and hygiene-related concept for the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2

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Photo: Boris Streubel / Getty Images.
  • Antigen rapid tests made compulsory on all training and travel days to complement PCR testing
  • The Executive Committee of the DFL is considering short-term “quarantine training camps” for all clubs

23 March 2021 – After coordinating with the “Sports Medicine/Special Match Operations Task Force”, the Executive Committee of the DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga has approved an adjustment to the medical and hygiene-related concept for the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2. This relates to compulsory antigen rapid tests. There is also the possibility of holding “quarantine training camps” for all teams. Both measures are intended to provide even greater protection against infection in the interest of all concerned, to further improve early detection of infections, and to put in place additional safeguards for match operations.

With effect from 1 April, antigen rapid tests will be made compulsory for players, trainers and coaching staff at the start of each training and travel day if pandemic activity is calculated at 35 or more new infections per week per 100,000 inhabitants in line with the medical and hygiene-related concept. The already frequent testing at Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 clubs is therefore being stepped up. Contact situations will only be allowed after a negative result of a rapid test. Even then, it will be necessary to comply with all hygiene and conduct regulations of the medical and hygiene-related concept, which remain in force. The obligation to undergo at least two PCR tests per calendar week no more than five days apart will remain unaffected and in place while incidence stands at 35 or more new infections per week per 100,000 inhabitants. As before, the last set of tests must be performed no more than 36 hours before kick-off for the home team, and no more than 52 hours before kick-off for the away team.

In addition, the Executive Committee of the DFL has informed the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 clubs that it is considering a compulsory “quarantine training camp” for all clubs. Like the adaptation of the medical and hygiene-related concept, this is based on a resolution by the DFL Members Assembly of 7 December 2020, which authorised the Executive Committee to take the necessary and appropriate measures to maintain match operations in compliance with the current fixture list. Under this resolution, the Executive Committee is also authorised to arrange a “quarantine training camp” lasting 5 to 14 days after consultation with the DFL’s “Football Commission”. The Executive Committee of the DFL will decide on this in coordination with the “Football Commission”, taking short-term further developments into account. Any potential resolution would be passed at least eight days before the start of the “quarantine training camp”.

The current version of the medical and hygiene-related concept, which was incorporated in the League Statutes as Annex I to the DFL regulations in accordance with the resolution of the DFL Members Assembly of 3 September 2020, is available to download here:

Concept of the Sports Medicine / Special Match Operations Task Force – version 4.1 (PDF)