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Bundesliga Ready To Return, May 9

Published

5 years ago

April 24, 2020

Despite football being halted across the globe by the coronavirus pandemic with all major leagues and competitions suspended, the Bundesliga is now eager to return to action with plans to play spectator-free games in May.
Germany has led the way in its approach to combating the coronavirus pandemic. The country’s intense programme of consistent testing from early on has resulted in far fewer deaths than the worst-affected countries.
The German Football League (DFL), responsible for operating the Bundesliga and the second division, is determined to finish the current season. Its 36 professional clubs met yesterday to discuss a restart of the season next month.
However, Germany’s football authorities still face some huge questions before they get the green light to resume football in the country behind closed doors.
“If we start on 9 May, we are ready. If it is later, we will be ready again,” DFL chief executive Christian Seifert said yesterday.
“For us, what is decisive is what the politicians will decide. It is not for us to decide when.
“Games without spectators are not what we want, but at the moment it is the only thing that seems feasible.”
So, what challenges do they face and how are they planning to combat them?
German politics has recently decided that large events with crowds will be banned at least until 24 October. That rules out the Bundesliga being played in front of spectators until the scheduled start of next season.
The only way to work around regulations is to stage spectator-free games, with only players, coaching staff, medics, referees, ball boys and ball girls, ground staff, technicians, safety officers, and production staff for television and VAR being present inside the stadiums. League officials estimate that up to 300 people are needed per match.
In Germany, the 16 federal states determine the maximum number of people allowed for public gatherings and a decision about that number will be made by the end of April.
The governments could put a stop to any plans from the DFL, but they are aware of the economic struggles of professional football and are expected to grant the wish of the clubs.
“A weekend with football is much more bearable than a weekend without football. That’s why I could picture to have matches behind closed doors”, state premier of Bavaria, Markus Soder, said at a recent online talk show hosted by German newspaper Bild.
He and Armin Laschet, state premier of North Rhine-Westphalia, have said they think it’s conceivable the Bundesliga would restart as soon as 9 May.
Soder and Laschet rushed ahead with their statements, knowing the federal government and the 16 state governments meet on 30 April, with the likely outcome that football matches are allowed to be staged in the following months.

Featured

RSG Set For Armed Forces Remembrance Day

Published

10 hours ago

January 15, 2025

The Tide

The Rivers State Government says all is now set to ensure a momentous Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

Speaking to newmen, last Monday, at Isaac Boro Park, venue for the parade and wreath-laying ceremony, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, assured that the annual event would be memorable.

“January 15 is a day set aside all over the country to remember those who died in the course of military engagement and also appreciate those still serving in the Armed Forces.

“We had the Juma’at Prayers last Friday and Church Thanksgiving Service last Sunday, we are grateful for very successful events. Wednesday, 15th January, is the Armed Forces Remembrance Day parade and wreath -laying ceremony at the Remembrance Arcade here in Isaac Boro Park. We are ready and expecting a superlative parade ceremony by the Armed Forces and the State Legion,” he said.

The SSG stated that it was in the nature of Rivers State Government and her people to appreciate the Armed Forces, just as he encouraged well-meaning Nigerians resident in Rivers State to join in appreciating the efforts of the nation’s heroes and remember those who had paid the ultimate price.

The SSG stressed that the actions of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, on January 15 would be replicated across the 22 Local Governments Areas in the State, with the exception of the Mayor of Port Harcourt who would support the Governor.

“As a federation with three tiers of government, the ceremonies will be done simultaneously at the federal level with Mr President laying the wreath; at the State, with our Governor laying the wreath. It is also expected that the council chairmen will be replicating same thing because there are members of the Armed Forces and legionnaires in the local governments.

A representative of 6 Division, Nigeria Army, Col. S. I Fejoh, who is one of the co-ordinators of the parade, re-affirmed their readiness and promised to showcase the pride of Nigeria.

On his part, the Acting Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Rivers State, C.O. Promise noted that members were happy and ready to celebrate the day they referred to as their birthday.

The Mayor of Port Harcourt City, Hon. Ichemati Ezebunwor, represented by his Deputy, Mrs. Wendy Kalio, also expressed optimism for a gallant celebration in the state.

“We have been fully involved and ready to celebrate the sacrifices of those who served the country. Let us honour them and encourage their loved ones. The Governor is working hard to empower the veterans and widows, let us turn up to cheer our Governor,” she summed up.

Featured

Fubara Hails Mbata’s Emergence As President – General Of Ohanaeze Ndigbo

Published

13 hours ago

January 15, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has hailed the emergence of a former lawmaker representing Rivers East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator John Azuta Mbata, as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

Governor Fubara said that the frontline politician’s victory at the poll in Enugu, on Friday, is a testament to his wide acceptance across the aisle as an accomplished Nigerian, whose test of character and integrity is exemplary.

He said that the overwhelming votes of the delegates show the implicit confidence of members of the socio-cultural organisation in his ability to provide needed leadership to move the Ohanaeze Ndigbo forward at this time.

Governor Fubara, therefore, extended his best wishes to Senator Mbata, and expressed the hope that he will succeed as he discharges the lofty duties of furthering national cohesion, and fostering friendly cooperation based on mutual trust and respect within the Igbos and among non-Igbos.

“On behalf of the government and the good people of Rivers State, I once again congratulate you and assure you of our readiness to work with you towards maintaining and preserving national unity and cohesion”, Governor Fubara said.

Business

AfDB, Partners Boost Universal Electrification Efforts

Published

14 hours ago

January 15, 2025

The Tide

African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, the World Bank Group, the African Union (AU), and the Tanzanian government have reaffirmed their commitment to advance Africa’s path toward universal electrification.

The AfDB announced in a statement, Saturday, that it would host a pivotal summit to support this objective.

“The Africa Energy Summit, scheduled for January 27 to 28 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, will bring together Heads of State and Government, private sector leaders, development partners, donors, experts, civil society organizations, and academics.

“The summit aims to secure the financial resources, partnerships, and political commitment necessary to achieve the ambitious Mission 300 plan and further progress toward universal electrification”, it stated.

Inaugurated in April 2024 by the AfDB and the World Bank, Mission 300 sought to provide electricity access to 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.

It said the initiative would focus on a dual approach: increasing infrastructure investment and implementing policy reforms across the electricity supply chain.

According to the bank, with nearly 600 million Africans accounting for 83 per cent of the global energy deficit lacking access to electricity, the need for action has never been more urgent.

“The summit will serve as a platform to consolidate efforts and accelerate Africa’s electrification journey, aiming to transform lives, improve livelihoods, and foster economic growth.

“Experts and stakeholders will deliberate on strategies to mobilise investments, expand energy access, and address challenges impeding progress, ensuring that Africa’s energy goals remain within reach”, AfDB stated.