Vienna (AFP)
A resumption of the Austrian football championship in mid-May, without spectators, is not excluded, said representatives of the Bundesliga on Thursday, stressing however that many details remained to be settled.
The first division clubs will be able to resume training next week in reduced numbers, of six players maximum, announced Wednesday the government.
At a press conference on Thursday, the president of the Austrian Bundesliga, Christian Ebenbauer, carefully raised the possibility of finishing the championship by the end of June.
"The probability that we will be able to replay in the Championship in mid-May (...) is still difficult to assess, when we do not yet know all the key data. Personally, I consider that it is entirely possible that we may restart the matches in mid-May, "said the president of the Austrian league.
The matches would take place without a spectator. Austria was one of the first European countries to loosen some restrictions this week to fight the coronavirus epidemic, while the disease is in sharp decline in the territory.
One of the decisive points to settle is the availability and the cost of the regular tests which will have to be carried out by the clubs.
Ten matches remain to be played for the Austrian first division where LASK Linz leads by three points on RB Salzburg, holding the title for six years. Three play-offs for the Europa League qualification as well as the Austrian Cup final also remain to be played.
© 2020 AFP