BUNDES - Bayern Munich likely to host Barcelona without spectators

Following the state governor's announcement on Tuesday that he will demand sporting events be held in empty stadiums due to high coronavirus infection rates, Bayern Munich will most likely meet Barcelona in the Champions League without fans next week.

Before negotiations later Tuesday between Germany's states, outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel, and her preferred successor, Olaf Scholz, Bavaria Governor Markus Soder indicated his state would ban fans from attending games even if there isn't a nationwide agreement.

"It makes no sense to allow spectators again for the foreseeable future," Soder told regional broadcaster Bayern 2. "If that doesn't work on the federal level, we will do it for Bavaria alone."

Soder didn't say when his idea would be implemented. Bayern's next home game is on December 8 against Barcelona, followed by a Bundesliga match against Mainz three days later. The measure would also affect Bavaria's other top-tier men's soccer clubs, Augsburg and Greuther Fürth, as well as countless other sports teams.

Bayern was authorized a full house of 75,000 fans in October, but due to increased infection rates, Bavaria's capacity was reduced to 25% last week. Fans in the state must have a coronavirus test that is negative, as well as proof of immunization or recent recovery from the virus.