A World Cup full of memorable moments was also marked by exclusion, exploitation and unprecedented political meddling, writes JAMES NALTON
THE German Bundesliga is set to return next weekend, becoming the first of Europe’s high-profile leagues to take to the pitch during the coronavirus crisis.
If it is a success, the move will be seen as an example for other leagues to follow, but this return to the pitch isn’t a return to football as we know it.
The game will be much weaker in the supporters’ absence, and the power of fans at the game, especially in Germany, will be there for all to see in these empty facilities where games will be played over the coming months.
NICK WRIGHT returns to Berlin and finds a city in darkness and political turmoil
ROGER MCKENZIE argues that it was correct to ban the notorious Israeli side who were likely to cause trouble in Muslim areas of Birmingham, but asks, given the occupation and slaughter in Palestine, why any Israeli team is being hosted anywhere
JAMES NALTON takes a look at the German league’s move to grow its audience in Britain, and around the future of football on TV in general



