Germany's football league insists the testing of players and backroom staff was "providing protection" despite 10 cases of coronavirus across the top two divisions as clubs prepare for a possible return to action this month.
The DFL said it carried out 1,724 tests on players and coaching staff at the Bundesliga and 2.Bundesliga teams. It did not identify those who had tested positive or their clubs and said the cases had been reported to health authorities.
At least three of those cases are known to come from top-tier Cologne who on Friday placed the individuals in a 14-day quarantine while the rest of the squad continued training.
"The tests carried out over the past few days have fulfilled their purpose of providing additional safety and thus protecting players as best as possible from infection during team training or matches," the DFL said.
The positive results all came from the first batch of tests as the German league prepares to resume from May 16 in empty stadiums and with strict hygiene measures.
The league's plans to become the first major European football competition to restart since the season was halted in mid-March includes games without spectators regular testing of players but no quarantine for entire squads in cases of positive tests.
However, Monday's statement added: "In the event of positive test results, the decision on the measures to be taken lies with the local health authorities."
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Bayern Munich manager Hans-Dieter Flick and his players during training on April 24. Reuters -
Bayern Munich's Jerome Boateng with teammates during training. Reuters -
Bayern Munich training at Saebener Strasse. Reuters -
Fans watch Bayern Munich players during training. Reuters -
Bayern Munich coach Hans-Dieter Flick during training. Reuters -
Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer during training. Reuters -
Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer and Sven Ulreich train. Reuters -
Bayern Munich coach Hans-Dieter Flick at training. Reuters -
Bayern Munich coach Hans-Dieter Flick. Reuters
Teams were allowed to resume limited training last month, with players divided into small groups, and the next stage would be for full team practice sessions to begin.
The DFL said a second round of tests would be carried out in the next week and there "may be isolated positive test results".
It added that "the overriding goal is to ensure maximum prevention on the basis of detailed distance and hygiene measures and permanent monitoring.
"The tests carried out over the past few days have served their purpose of providing additional security and thus protecting players from infection during team training or matches," it said.
