[Trim]

Creating the fixture schedules for Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga is a long and complex process, which starts in mid-June after the licensing process.

Holger Hieronymus, DFL Chief Executive Officer for Competition, explains the creation of the fixture schedule and relevant characteristics in an interview.

bundesliga.de: Mister Hieronymus, how do the plans of FIFA and UEFA influence the Bundesliga's fixture schedule?

Holger Hieronymus: The Bundesliga's fixture schedule is closely connected with the plans of both associations. First of all the FIFA enters its dates into the national calendar, blocking time windows for internationals. In the next step the UEFA does the same for Champions League and UEFA Cup.

bundesliga.de: When exactly does the DFL start with the creation of the new fixture schedule?

Hieronymus: The DFL would ideally like to start directly after the last whistle of the previous season, but it's not that easy. When the 2007/08 season ended, it was not yet decided who would win promotion to the 2. Bundesliga, for example. Additionally we basically have to wait for the June 15th deadline. Then will be decided if the final licensing requirements have been met. Only afterwards we can start with intensive plannings. In doing so we not only consider the clubs' interests, but also those of the fans, of course. After all they're the ones creating the unequaled atmosphere inside the stadiums. The exchange between DFL and elected spokesmen of the clubs' fan representatives enables us to include new suggestions.

bundesliga.de: Is there anything special in years with big tournaments, such as the EURO or the World Cup? And what about the DFB Cup?

Hieronymus: In seasons with such big tournaments, the season will be especially adjusted to the requirements of such a densely-packed year, of course. We decided to have three mid-week matchdays during the 2007/08 season, for example. The DFB Cup final was played after matchday 29 and not - as usual - at the end of the season, to give the international players the needed freedom. Additionally we're in close contact with the German Football Association DFB and synchronise with the DFB concerning the DFB Cup.

bundesliga.de: Are there any changes in the fixture schedule for 2008/09, compared to the previous season?

Hieronymus: Yes, indeed. Together with our TV partners we agreed on a way of avoiding that teams have to play in the UEFA Cup on Thursday and again on Saturday in the Bundesliga. We want to give the clubs three days rest between European competition and Bundesliga matches, and we would have to move matches in that case. November 11th and 12th and one date in December are scheduled as replacement matchdays for the clubs concerned. In consultation with our TV partners a third match on Sundays is possible on rare occasions. The fixture schedule also had to be adjusted because of the re-introduction of relegation matches. As a result the DFB Cup final on May 30th, 2009 will be framed by the first and second legs of the relegation matches.

Bundesliga - Die offizielle Webseite