Table of Contents
We are Empty Stands – a community of football fans living with ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), Long COVID, and Post-Vac.
We founded this group because we realized we are not alone in our experiences.
We love football, but our illnesses present us with particular challenges that are often not well understood by society or even within the medical field.
Demands
Solidarity-Based Infection Protection (Prevention)
Every infection carries a risk – even for “healthy” individuals. We know how much reinfections can worsen our condition. Large crowds – and thus full football stadiums – are particularly prone to spreading infections. That’s why we see it as essential to raise awareness about infection prevention.
For us, this includes using rapid tests, staying home if you have an acute infection, wearing FFP2 masks – especially if attending a match while infected – and using air purifiers in indoor spaces to protect ourselves and others.
Consistent infection protection is necessary to prevent long-term consequences and to avoid deterioration in those who are already ill.
Awareness
People who don’t suffer from ME/CFS often can’t imagine how severely it limits those affected. Football is the number one popular sport in Germany. Therefore it provides a perfect platform to raise awareness for this serious illness.
Not only the general public, but also many doctors, nurses, medical assessors, and government employees know too little about ME/CFS. This often leads to mistreatment and issues within the social support system. That’s why we want to initiate and support broad awareness campaigns.
We demand that the medical associations and statutory health insurance organizations finally offer mandatory training on these conditions, and that post-viral illnesses are included in medical education.
Authorities also need to be better informed so that we receive the support we need. We need clear guidelines for schools and youth welfare offices, so that young patients and their families also receive appropriate support.
Biomedical Research
We are tired of our illnesses being so poorly understood. We urgently need more biomedical research to discover the causes, mechanisms, and therapies – regardless of what triggered the illness. We call for more financial resources for such research and for the creation of professorships focused clearly on biomedical approaches.
Comprehensive Healthcare Access
Current medical care is often inadequate. We need specialized outpatient clinics and competence centers for adults, children, and adolescents, where interdisciplinary teams can work together. These centers must be well-equipped and have sufficient financial resources to provide high-quality care.
Especially for severely affected individuals, we need accessible services like telemedicine and home visits, as well as in-home care and assistance.
How We Work
Transparent
We value open communication and transparent decision-making.
Non-commercial
We have no commercial interests. Our goal is to help those affected and to improve their situation. Any financial resources are used for awareness work or passed on as donations.
Intersectional
Discrimination has no place with us. We foster a culture of openness, diversity, and inclusion in all areas of our work and recognize different life realities.
Networking and Exchange Among Affected Football Fans
We want to be a community where we can share experiences, support each other, and give each other strength. We know it helps to connect with people going through similar experiences.
We call on those in power to acknowledge their responsibility and take the necessary steps to finally improve the situation for people with ME/CFS, Long COVID, and Post-Vac. Our health must no longer be ignored!
Let us stand together for our rights and a better future!