PRAGUE: The top two football divisions in the Czech Republic plan to restart on May 25 as the government eases restrictions to contain the coronavirus, the leagues said on Monday.

The clubs must approve the plan at a meeting May 12 because the competitions would not be completed until July. Some sponsorship deals and player contracts expire by the end of June, when the leagues were originally scheduled to conclude.

Six rounds of games in the regular season and the playoffs remain in the first division. All players will be tested for the virus and all games will be without spectators.

The decision to restart is in line with UEFA’s recommendation for leagues to explore all possible options to complete their seasons.

The organisers said government approval is needed because games would require the presence of some 130 people, including players, referees, club officials and others at the stadium. The government said it will allow team sports competitions to restart on May 25 but it’s not clear yet how many people can gather at stadiums.

Published in Dawn, April 29th, 2020