Josua Kimmich is a role model not only for Bayern, but for every player in Bundesliga. Hard working, a leader in the dressing room, excellent player, moderate in his statements, calm but fierce when needed, without any scandals. So, when that kind of player announced that he was not vaccinated for Covid ‘due to few concerns‘, it raised more than a few eyebrows. Immediately, the next question in line is: How can he play in 2G stadiums if he is not jabbed?It is still early to say but it is so – Bayern are stomping towards title defenceAfter a comfortable 4-0 win over Hoffenheim, Bayern’s midfielder was asked about the lack of vaccination, and he told German Sky:“Because I want to wait for long-term studies. I think there are a few other people at home who just have a few concerns, whatever their reasons. And I think that should also be respected. It is very possible that I will still be vaccinated”.(6.25) BORUSSIA M. (4.40) BAYERN (1.50)Logically, it provoked another debate, as Germany is one of those countries where a lot of people are vaccinated, players included, but apart from Kimmich, there are four more players in Bayern who have chosen not to do it. And while the ethical dilemma will always remain, the Germans have focused on a more pressing needs – Kimmich’s availability to play for Bayern in certain games. The 2G rule currently applies in six Bundesliga stadiums (Leverkusen, Cologne, Wolfsburg, Stuttgart, Leipzig, Freiburg) (plus 2G + or 2G / 3G blocks in Mainz, Frankfurt and Dortmund). What does that rule means? It means that fans who have not been vaccinated or recovered must definitely stay outside in these six arenas. But, an unvaccinated Kimmich played whole 90 minutes in the 5-1 thrashing of Bayer Leverkusen. The court said ‘no’ but they remained together and now Bayern defender will go to jailHowever, this rule applies only to the fans, because, like museum or cinema, going to football matches is a ‘private leisure time’. Kimmich on the other hand is a footballer, and playing is his job, so for him (and others), different rules apply, as he has undergo a regular PCR test every two or three days. But don’t worry, there is hope for Kimmich still. A dead vaccine with killed pathogens is made by the Austro-French company Valneva and it should be available from February 2022. Until then, the German international will probably remain unvaccinated.
