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Dortmund, Germany | AFP | The setting may be unfamiliar with the German Bundesliga returning behind closed doors after a two-month coronavirus shutdown, but the identity of the day’s first goal-scorer was entirely familiar as Erling Braut Haaland put Borussia Dortmund ahead against Schalke on Saturday. Haaland diverted a low Thorgan Hazard cross into the …

All eyes on Germany as Bundesliga football returns Berlin, Germany | AFP | The Bundesliga returns to action on Saturday with the resumption of the first top European league since the coronavirus lockdown watched closely to see if it provides a blueprint for other competitions. Matches will be played behind …

Berlin, Germany | AFP |  Football in Germany returns to the pitch on Saturday as the Bundesliga becomes the first of Europe’s top leagues to swing back into action since the coronavirus lockdown. The German Football League (DFL) convinced Chancellor Angela Merkel and the country’s regional leaders to allow play …

London, United Kingdom | AFP |  The Premier League’s bid to restart the season in June is in danger of being derailed by a heated debate between players about the risks of playing amid the coronavirus crisis. While Premier League chiefs believe completing the campaign is essential to safeguard the financial …

London, United Kingdom | AFP | England captain Harry Kane says players are waiting for safety guidance from the Premier League after the government said it was “opening the door” for the return of football next month. Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said Thursday’s meeting with the Football Association, Premier League and English Football League had …

Berlin, Germany | AFP |  Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski says he is fitter than ever ahead of Sunday’s Bundesliga clash at FC Union Berlin and taking advice from World Cup record-holder Miroslav Klose. The 41-year-old Klose, who holds the record of 16 goals scored at World Cup finals, has joined …

London, United Kingdom | AFP | Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho says he is “desperate” for the return of Premier League action despite mounting concerns about the English top-flight’s restart plans. Several stars including Sergio Aguero, Raheem Sterling and Danny Rose have gone public with fears about resuming the season during the coronavirus crisis. Some top-flight …

Paris, France | AFP |  Having become the first American to coach a team in the Champions League and overseen the remarkable rise of Erling Braut Haaland, it was already an unforgettable season for Jesse Marsch before the coronavirus pandemic came along. Now the coach of Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg is …

London, United Kingdom | AFP | Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has questioned whether a return to the ring for Mike Tyson at 53 would be ethical. A video posted on Tyson’s Instagram this week showed the former world heavyweight champion in training and he has said he could make a comeback for charity exhibition bouts. …

Rome, Italy | AFP | Italy’s Serie A clubs said on Wednesday they want to return to competition on June 13 if they get the all-clear from the government. “Regarding the resumption of sports activities and in compliance with government decisions and in accordance with medical protocols for the protection of …