Dietmar Hopp: There needs to be a rethink in football

However, the 80-year-old does not share the fear that many spectators and sponsors will lose interest in football. Nevertheless, a certain feeling of alienation on the part of fans who can no longer attend matches in person should not be ruled out. ''After such a long period of withdrawal, it's inevitable that there is a sense of distance. Football is no longer a primary focus for people. The live experience is missing. But we have very loyal and passionate partners by our side, who won't let us down in times of difficulty,'' said Hopp, going on to add: ''Sponsors, fans, the region and TSG - we are and remain a team.'' TSG have done a great deal to maintain contact with the fans, having developed several digital formats to this end. What is more, the charitable association ''TSG hilft'' (TSG helps) - founded at the start of the pandemic - has also taken on great significance. To date, the initiative has supported more than 200 clubs in the region and is set to continue its work in the coming year.

Dietmar Hopp also outlined his hopes for 2021: ''First of all, I hope that our society achieves long-term success in the battle against the Coronavirus pandemic, and I wish everyone good health. At the same time, I hope that the biggest issue facing humanity - climate change - returns to the centre of the conversation,'' explained Hopp. TSG are also doing their part in this regard, for example through participation in ''Sports for Future.'' ''The idea behind 'Sports for Future' is to unlock the potential of sports to win over as many people as possible to help tackle the climate crisis,'' said Hopp, whose foundation has opened the Klima Arena (climate arena), an innovative information and experience centre, just next to the PreZero Arena. ''My hope is that we can harness the joint effort we have seen in tackling the Coronavirus - politically, economically and privately - and use it to tackle this great issue facing humanity. If we take up the fight with solidarity and determination, then I am convinced we can win it.''