With the top clubs in the Bundesliga "already back in training, envious rivals across Europe" are watching to see whether the Germans "gain an edge or pay a price when play resumes." When to resume training "presents a problem of fairness." Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich and second-place Borussia Dortmund and a "raft of other clubs" resumed training in small groups on Monday. The Bundesliga "hopes to return in early May." Werder Bremen Coach Florian Kohfeldt, unable to train his squad because of local regulations, said that he was worried about "distortion of competition" (AFP, 4/7). Bayern Munich is training players in small groups to minimize the risk of infection. The club said in a statement, "Obviously all health guidelines are being adhered to" (REUTERS, 4/6).
Meanwhile, members of China’s men’s soccer team "have completed their quarantine after returning from Dubai last month and will go back to their respective clubs." Xinhua reported that all players tested negative for COVID-19. China postponed all domestic games in January and "banned the entry of foreigners in the country last month in a blow to hopes" that a start to the new Chinese Super League season was "on the horizon" (REUTERS, 4/6).
