D'Hooghe opposes early return of football due to COVID-19 pandemic

D'Hooghe spoke to the British broadcaster Sky Sports and positioned himself against an early return of football, as pursued by the German Bundesliga and the Premier League, which has set its sights on returning in early June.

"The world is not ready for competitive football to return. I hope this can change quickly, but we need more patience," said the president.

"This is the most dramatic situation we have experienced since World War II, we should not underestimate it. We have to be realistic, football is only possible if contact is possible again," he added.

The executive positioned himself in favor of only returning when it is safe, and pointed out that this will probably only happen when there is an "adequate vaccination program".