Leipzig received the green light from local health authorities to play their first home game next Bundesliga season with 20 percent of their stadium capacity, representing 8,500 spectators. This was announced on Tuesday by the club itself, which, however, must await the decision made by the German Football League (DFL).
Leipzig had drawn up a protocol, supported by the DFL and the regional government of the federal state of Saxony, which includes the obligation of spectators to wear masks.
“We are aware of the trust that the authorities place in us and we will be responsible,” said Leipzig manager Oliver Mintzlaff.
The possibility of the return of the public was opened by the low number of infections in Leipzig, where, according to the Robert Koch Institute for Virology, the number of new infections per 100,000 inhabitants is 3.2 per week. If the figure remains below 20 until September 1, Leipzig will be able to play in front of the public.
Other German teams, such as Union Berlin, Hertha and Eintracht Frankfurt, are also developing security protocols to make it possible for the public to return, but in the respective teams the infection figures are not as favorable as in Leipzig.