Sweden's state epidemiologist Anders Tegnell did not sound particularly hopeful when on Wednesday he would assess the opportunities for the men's footballer to kick off on June 14.

"If it continues this way, I would think it is inappropriate," said Tegnell.

He has repeatedly expressed doubts about the matter after another. So why is the Swedish Football Association (SvFF) insisting on sticking to the date?

This is because they still have not been able to present their proposal in detail, says the chairman of the Federal Council Karl-Erik Nilsson.

- The important thing for us is to tell the Public Health Authority, Anders Tegnell and his peers how this is supposed to happen. We have a developed material with ideas on how to handle this safely. We want to talk about this directly with the Public Health Authority. But they have a lot to do, so it's really about as soon as possible, hopefully in the near future, to be able to notify them, ”says Karl-Erik Nilsson.

Bundesliga first out

What speaks for Nilsson's cause is the development in, among others, Germany. Although the general restrictions during the corona pandemic were considerably stricter there than in Sweden, the German government on Wednesday gave the Bundesliga clear sign to start. Next weekend, May 16, the league kicks off without a crowd.

- It is clear that this is a strong signal when several other countries, which in many respects have had more severe restrictions than we, are prepared to start their football and start their football much earlier than we plan to do, says Nilsson

There is also much evidence that SvFF's support to the Public Health Authority is reminiscent of what German football submitted to its government.

- I know there has been close cooperation between the European leagues on this issue. Exactly what is different or what similarities exist between the Swedish variant and the German, I dare not go into that. But my assessment is that it certainly looks very similar.

"Good for public health"

He believes, however, that the damall Swede, who was scheduled to start as early as May 31, may need to be pushed forward. Women's club's interest organization Elite football women (EFD) has already flagged for the premiere to be moved to June 14, the same date that applies to the men's Swedish.

- In mid-June, the conditions have increased for us to be able to get started with top football on both the men's and women's side. It is probably wise to have it as a benchmark when it comes to the series play, says Karl-Erik Nilsson.

Despite the optimism, the chairman of the federation points out that it is of course the authorities that ultimately decide whether it is safe to play elite football or not. But a summer with all Swedish football would benefit everyone, he believes.

- The planning that we will present will be so professional and certain that our absolute hope and belief is that the Public Health Authority will accept this. We think it would be good from every aspect.

- For recovery, not least from a mental point of view, a return to where we can look forward to participating in sports, watching sports and talking sports, is good for public health.