German scientist: "The fans may have been absent from football fields for more than a year"

Gerald Hoge, president of the German Academy of Sciences "Leopoldina", said that German football fans may wait more than a year to be able to attend matches again in the stadiums.

 "It will definitely take several months, but it is also possible for the period to reach one and a half years," Hoge said in comments to the ARD television channel yesterday evening.

 All football competitions in Germany have been suspended since mid-March due to the outbreak of the new Corona virus (Covid19-), which is spreading around the world.



 Clubs and officials are also looking to the public to return to stadiums at some point, but Hoge said it is "wise" not to open stadiums as long as there is no vaccine available for that virus. "

 Scientists said that providing a vaccine for the emerging corona virus could take time until the end of this year, and possibly after that.

 On Monday, the Leopoldina Academy released a report for a study dealing with the possible easing of restrictions in Germany as part of efforts to reduce the spread of infection.

 The general restrictions imposed in Germany continue until April 19, and German Chancellor Merkel is scheduled to meet tomorrow, Wednesday, with the heads of German states ministers to discuss the next steps.

 After that, the German League Association members meet next Friday to discuss how to move forward, as the clubs are looking to complete the season's competitions in order to save the 750 million euros (819 million dollars) in revenues from television broadcasts and sponsorship.