Seehofer, whose portfolio includes sport, said in an interview with Tuesday’s Muenchner Merkur paper that the German Football League (DFL) and German Football Federation (DFB) and their work amid the coronavirus pandemic can be trusted.

“I have long been of the opinion that spectators can be let into stadiums again if a strong hygiene concept is in place,” Seehofer said.

“It could start in autumn. Of course not with a sold out arena but the numbers can rise step by step. The virus hits where the rules are not observed.”

A detailed hygiene concept by the DFL and DFB allowed the German leagues to be the first major ones to restart and complete their seasons.

The DFL has now submitted a concept for the re-introduction of spectators to clubs and state authorities. The final saying remains with the local health authorities of the respective clubs.

The 2020-21 season is to start in mid-September.