In Thursday Kicker, chief editor Rainer Franzke doubts a possible Bundesliga return before behind closed doors before mid May at earliest is now conceivable, after federal/states govt meetings yesterday. Also probable the DFB Cup Final (currently 23 May) will need a later date.

Franzke also pens an “outside the box” editorial which is headlined “A big worldwide solution is now the requirement of the hour.” I’ll translate the key thrust of it below.

Franzke: “No big events in front of the public through 31 Aug. This decision of the leaders of the 16 states & chancellor Merkel also means big solutions from pro football are now called for. Returning to competitive action with ghost games in 3 or 4 weeks. In the context of....

“several clubs whose existence is threatened, these discussions are OK. Now more is needed. The football world must ask itself if a prompt rescheduling of its operations is advisable. Adapting a season to a calendar year starting at the beginning of the year & finishing at the..

“end of the year as in some other countries would buy time to bring all national leagues & international competitions to their conclusions by the end of 2020 & also the respective cup competitors in a short time frame this autumn. Starting a new season in Aug with no fans?..

“Scarcely imaginable. Ghost games for a few months before that - conceivable. Yet only doable if player salaries are cut drastically. 20 percent would not be enough.”