Dutch Health Minister Hugo de Jonge announces that supporters will not be allowed in stadiums until there is a cure for the Coronavirus (Independent).
Eredivisie Behind Closed Doors Until Coronavirus Vaccine
Like many of Europe’s top sporting leagues, the Dutch league was originally put on hold following the outbreak of Covid-19.
The Eredivise was declared null and void only a week ago. Ajax was not given the title, while Alan Pardew’s Den Haag and RKC Waalwijk escaped relegation.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte has begun to ease the Netherlands’ lockdown measures, with Dutch sport returning on September 1st.
De Jonge wrote to Dutch parliament that fans wouldn’t be allowed in the grounds, despite the return of football.
“We cannot yet mention a date… we hope of course, but a year or more is very real” expressed a concerned De Jonge.
This may come to a lot of concern. According to Nicola Stonehouse, a professor in molecular virology at the University of Leeds, it could take decades to come up with a vaccine (Wired, via Express).
However, there is some hope there as there are approximately over 400 trials for a vaccine. But whether a cure is available soon will leave many in doubt.
Covid-19 – Key Dates
February 29 – Juventus vs Inter among five Serie A matches to be postponed following the outbreak of Coronavirus in Italy.
March 8 – Majority of Europe’s league play their last league games before the outbreak. In Holland, Ajax top the Eredivisie on goal difference from Ajax.
March 13 – Amid concerns over spread of the disease, the Premier League, EFL and WSL postpone all fixtures until further notice.
March 17 – Euro 2020 announced that it was postponed until 2021
April 25 – A “Bitter day” for Dutch football after it’s top two division are cancelled, no one is promoted or relegated.
April 28 – Ligue 1 season is also cancelled with Paris St.Germain crowned champions
May 5 – Positive news for football, as the Bundesliga is set to return on May 16. It will be played behind closed doors.
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