GENERAL NEWS
03/23/2021

DFL expands medical-hygiene concept

Mandatory rapid antigen tests at an incidence rate of 35 new infections per week per 100,000 inhabitants: the German Football League (DFL) approved adjustments to the medical-hygiene concept for the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 on Tuesday afternoon. The Executive Committee of the DFL is also considering the organisation of ''quarantine training camps''.

In consultation with the Sports Medicine/Special Match Operations Task Force, the DFL Executive Committee has decided to amend the medical-hygiene concept for the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2. These amendments relate to mandatory rapid antigen tests. In addition, ''quarantine training camps'' are now a possibility for all teams. The adjustments have been designed to further increase protection from infection for all involved parties, to further improve the early detection of infections and provide additional safeguards for match operations.  

With effect from April 1, rapid antigen testing of players, coaches and support staff at the start of each training or travel day will be mandatory in the event of Covid incidence rates calculated in accordance with the medical-hygienic concept amounting to 35 new infections per week per 100,000 inhabitants. The already comprehensive testing regime at Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 clubs will thus be expanded. Only after a negative result of a rapid test are contact situations permitted in compliance with all unchanged hygiene and conduct regulations contained within the medical and hygiene concept. Also unaffected and in force is the obligation to perform at least two PCR tests per calendar week at a maximum interval of five days at an incidence rate of 35 or more new infections per week per 100,000 inhabitants. In this context, the last series of tests for the home team must still be performed no more than 36 hours before the kick-off of a match and the last series of tests for the visiting team no more than 52 hours before the kick-off of a match.

The DFL Executive Committee has also informed the clubs of the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 that a mandatory ''quarantine training camp'' is being considered for all teams. Like the adjustment to the medical-hygiene concept, this is based on a resolution passed at the DFL General Meeting on December 7 2020, authorising the Executive Committee to take the necessary and appropriate measures to maintain match operations in compliance with the current match schedule. The Executive Committee is also authorised, in line with the aforementioned resolution and after consultation with the "Football Commission," to order teams to undergo a "quarantine training camp" for a period of five to 14 days. The decision on this will be made by the DFL Executive Committee, taking into account overall developments in the short term and in consultation with the "Football Commission". A possible decision would be taken at least eight days before the start of the mandated "quarantine training camp".

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