Bayern Cup game off after coronavirus cases at fifth-tier opponents

Dortmund (dpa) – Bayern Munich’s German Cup first-round tie on Friday against Bremer SV has been postponed because of coronavirus cases at the fifth-tier side.

The German Football Association (DFB) said on Tuesday it had acted after Bremen’s health department imposed quarantine measures on the club.

The decision was made “due to positive coronavirus PCR tests and associated infections within the entire player squad,” Bremer SV announced on their website.

A new date has not yet been set, with the DFB saying the game would be rescheduled “as soon as possible.” The draw for the second round will also have to be postponed.

The delay means Bayern’s new coach Julian Nagelsmann will now make his dugout debut in a competitive game on Friday, August 13 in the Bundesliga opener at Borussia Moenchengladbach.

Cup holders Borussia Dortmund meanwhile said their Belgium full back Thomas Meunier and German midfielder Julian Brandt have also tested positive for the virus.

The 29-year-old Meunier, who played at Euro 2020, tested positive ahead of his return to training following a day off, according to Dortmund.

Ahead of travelling to a recent team training camp in Switzerland, Meunier twice tested negative and did so again before returning from Bad Ragaz.

Brandt tested positive after his day off. To minimize the risk of further infections, the team’s public training session was cancelled at short notice.

Dortmund begin their cup defence away, playing Wehen Wiesbaden on Saturday, but whether it will be afected by the two positive cases remains unclear.

“We are in close contact with the health authorities,” Dortmund said.