BERLIN — Germany is set to become the first major European league to resume play — behind closed doors — despite the coronavirus pandemic. The restart to the Bundesliga comes with a stringent measure... no fans.

German fans are being warned to stay away and authorities have warned matches could be halted if too many supporters gather outside the grounds.

A strict regime of testing will be enforced on the nine remaining match days. Only around 300 people, including players, staff and officials, will be in or close to stadiums during match days.

Under German league rules put in place to resume the season, the home side is responsible for ensuring fans do not try to approach the stadium to support their team from a distance.

After weeks of meticulous planning and mass testing of players and backroom staff, it would be a nightmare for the Bundesliga if the fans were to derail the fragile recovery attempt.

On the pitch, reigning champions Bayern Munich hold a narrow lead over their nearest rivals, including Borussia Dortmund and Leipzig. European qualification and relegation will be decided by the final scheduled match day on June 27.

The Bundesliga is anticipated to become a template for other European nations aiming to complete their leagues, including the English Premier League and La Liga in Spain.

France’s top tier league, Ligue 1, has already been cancelled due to safety concerns. The Italian government has yet to decide if it will allow the Serie A season to be completed.

The Bundesliga is back and BT Sport is broadcasting every single game from Germany’s top-flight over three days of unmissable action this weekend.

After a 61-day hiatus due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, all nine games will be shown live and exclusive on BT Sport as the Bundesliga becomes the first major European league to resume. — Agencies