Executive Committee Press Conference

 Executive Committee Press Conference

The Executive Committee Meeting of the European Handball Federation, that took place on 28-29 March 2009, came to an end with a press conference on Sunday. The EHF felt it necessary to inform the public of the matters covered extensively by the international media in recent weeks.

At the press conference, media representatives were welcome to put their questions to EHF President Tor Lian, Vice President Jean Brihault, Treasurer Ralf Dejaco and Secretary General Michael Wiederer.

The EHF representatives explained that the EHF was alerted from the outside world regarding attempts of undue influence in the recent past. The EHF immediately reacted in a number of ways.

1. By investigations:

• The EHF has prepared technical analysis of the games in question.
• Involved the “Initiator of Proceedings” to step into action when necessary.
• Examined the situation by sending out questionnaires to the match officials and subsequently to the clubs and national federations.
• Externally, the EHF is in close cooperation with the German legal authorities carrying out investigations.

2. By measures:

• Disciplinary cases are going on. More information will follow when available.
• The travel organisation of referees has been reformed and the contact between the clubs and match officials has been limited. The reformed system will apply for the Men’s and Women’s EHF Champions League from the quarterfinal, semi-final and final stages of the 2008/09 season.
• The match evaluation is carried out separately from match duties.

3. By prevention:

• The EHF has appointed the agency “g partner” in order to involve external expertise to confront cases of undue influence in the EHF Competitions and ensure sound basis for handball. The EHF will launch an integrity programme that includes the recommendation of preventive measures and the definition of “the way forward”.

The Executive Committee also published decisions on the handling of match officiating for the season 2009/10.

• Installing a group of top referees. In their upcoming sessions, the technical bodies will work out a concept for selection, preparation and guidance.
• No double functions will be allowed for referees in order to avoid a collision of interests.
• New guidelines to be prepared by the Technical Commissions for match officials regarding hospitality in addition to the already existing EHF Code of Conduct.
• Increase of payment to referees assigned to top level games.
• Introduction of a strict reporting and follow-up system.
• Setting up a hotline system for referees, delegates, clubs, federations and all involved parties.

The EHF will also initiate the revision of the Regulations and Rules of Handball in order to reduce the space for individual rule interpretation.

The EHF expressed that it is ready to take action once the results of ongoing investigations will be published. The EHF is determined to act in three ways:

• Initiate legal action against the parties responsible of any wrongdoing that is damaging the sport.
• Take decisions on the necessary preventive measures to be implemented.
• Defend the reputation of those accused without grounds.

The EHF confirmed its commitment to open communication on all matters and closed the press conference by answering individual interview requests.