OMM Newsroom
The reason Borussia Dortmund players did not use the showers at Baku Olympic Stadium (BOS) after their 2-1 match against Sabah in the third round of the UEFA Champions League league phase has been disclosed.
Bild reported that club officials were concerned legionella bacteria might be present in the stadium’s water-supply system. The bacteria can multiply in water systems, particularly in pipes where water remains stagnant for a long time. People can become infected by inhaling contaminated water droplets dispersed into the air while showering. The publication did not provide evidence that the bacteria were present at BOS; the concern was reportedly about a potential risk.
The club had reportedly booked the hotel’s spa area in advance so players could shower and undergo recovery procedures. Head coach Niko Kovac said after the match that the team had advised players not to use the showers, and that the same decision had been made after the pre-match training session. Sports director Ole Book said the showers at the hotel looked more appealing.
Firuz Abdulla, head of BOS’s public relations and event organisation department, denied claims of problems with the water supply and shower rooms. “There are no problems with the water supply at the stadium. There is both hot and cold water, and the shower rooms are operational,” he said.
Abdulla said there had been no concerns about the showers or recorded cases of bacterial infection during the Sabah-Slavia match (2-0) held at BOS on October 13. He added that the stadium undergoes annual sanitary inspections in line with international standards, and that an inspection was also conducted this year, resulting in the arena being issued the relevant certificate.
