Der Spiegel had reported that his ministry was considering making footballers wear face masks to protect against the new coronavirus, but Heil rejected this.

“I don’t think games with masks are conceivable,” Heil told the Bild am Sonntag newspaper.

“In joint talks with the German Football League, constructive work is currently being done on other practicable solutions.”

German football’s top flight was suspended in mid-March. Politicians have suggested a resumption without spectators from May 9 but the government has yet to make a final decision.