Sky Sport Germany to show Bundesliga games for free and promises ‘a special TV experience’ despite lack of fans

Matches to resume behind-closed-doors on 16 May with live coverage available in Germany on the Sky Sport News HD channel

FC Cologne’s RheinEnergieStadio will be devoid of supporters when the team take on Mainz on 17 May

Sky Sport in Germany will show live Bundesliga football matches for free next weekend when the league restarts, the broadcaster has revealed.

Politicians have given the green light for the comeback of the Bundesliga, starting on 16 May.

In a statement, Sky Germany said that “so that all fans in Germany can enjoy the comeback games,” and because this was an “exceptional situation” the first two matchdays after the “Corona break” would see games shown for free.

This will include Saturday afternoon and the Sunday matches. The games will be broadcast live on Sky Sport News HD.

Sky subscribers will be able to choose from all of the individual Sky games in the Bundesliga and the 2nd Bundesliga as well as the original Sky coverage live on the Sky Sport Bundesliga channel.

As the comeback games which will be taking place without fans in the stadium, the broadcaster is also promising “a special TV experience” for viewers.

Details are being kept under wraps for now but it is promising to “use new features” to make-up for the lack of natural game atmosphere and to compensate for any traditional coverage techniques and processes that are not possible because of the health and safety regime that is being put in place.

Jacques Raynaud, Sky Sports director believes that the comeback of the Bundesliga is great news for both Sky customers and football fans.

He said: “We are grateful that with our program for people in this challenging situation we can make our contribution to the best possible entertainment. Sky will make the best of the comeback games and offer viewers a special TV experience. ”

As part of the live broadcasts, Sky will work closely with the Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL) and official authorities, as well as in accordance with security regulations.

SVG Europe hopes to provide further information on the match coverage plans next week ahead of the league’s re-start on 16 May.