Bayern ask players to avoid autographs, selfies to reduce coronavirus risk

Bayern Munich players have been advised to limit interaction with supporters during the coronavirus epidemic, a club statement released on Friday revealed.

"Based on the recommendations of the Robert Koch Institute and their extended implementation, Prof. Dr. Roland Schmidt, the internal head of FC Bayern's medical department, has advised that FC Bayern players refrain from signing autographs for the time being and also from being available for photos or selfies with fans," Bayern said in their statement.

"We ask for the understanding of our fans and all visitors to our training sessions and games."

Fellow Bundesliga title contenders RB Leipzig have implemented similar recommendations to their players regarding the shaking of hands. "We greet each other with elbows," manager Julian Nagelsmann said, according to DW.

The national team's doctor, Tim Meyer, said in an interview on the German football association's website that postponing matches and playing games behind closed doors "would probably be excessive" at this time, as translated by DW. He didn't rule out those measures being taken if the coronavirus outbreak worsens in Germany.

A spokeswoman for the country's health ministry told Reuters on Friday that the nation had "almost 60" confirmed cases of the infection.