Joint Meeting of IHF and EHF in Basle

Joint Meeting of IHF and EHF in Basle

As part of their regular cooperation, the IHF and EHF held a joint meeting in Basel on 1 April 2009. Under the joint chairmanship of IHF President Dr Hassan Moustafa and EHF President Tor Lian various issues were considered:

• The global competition schedule
• The challenge trophy
• The alleged bribery cases

Concerning the last point, both IHF and EHF are very concerned that the accusations recently levelled at the referees are likely to severely damage handball and contribute a severe set back for the positive evolution in the quality of refereeing observed as a consequence of the education system set up for the referees.

• ·Training and admission of young referees from all four continents with help of a special programme named GRTP (Global Referee Training Program). Aside from the ordinary Rules lessons, they are to identify and promote personality and a strong character.
  
• The appointment to the IHF Referee List is valid for one year, depending on the performance they show during the World Championships
  
• Preparations of the elite referees for major tournaments (WChs or OGs) have been considerably improved over the last few years. A one-week preparatory training course including match directions as part of a tournament is held six months prior to the event. Added to this a 3-day so-called mini-course just prior to the WCh start. In order to cover these subjects, former coaches and psychologists joined the pool of PRC experts in charge of referee education.
  
• In the run-up to each of these major events, the referees and the participating teams receive video tapes including questions concerning the rules of the game, match situations and instructions for the ‘common line’ all the referees are taught, in order to prepare for the tournament. This cooperation and exchange of information creates transparency and confidence.
  
• The referee performance during IHF events is being analysed by referee observers with help of high-tech tools. This evaluation is discussed with the referees the day after (transparency), serving as a preparation for the next match to come.
  
• The nomination procedure is clear and easy to understand for all parties involved:

a) As for the nomination of referees for a World Championship or Olympic Games, a proposal made by the PRC is approved by the Executive Committee.

b) As for the nomination of referees for the individual WCh matches, the proposal made by the PRC is approved by the Competition Management.

c) The daily nominations are released on the match day concerned in order to protect the referees from external influence and possible pressure.

This concept helped to cope with major changes within the pool of elite referees over a couple of years. The youngest of all referee groups ever performed at the World Championship in Croatia, assuring the best evaluation carried out at highest level. This is a positive approach the IHF will take a firm line on.

The IHF and EHF are also clearly aware that these accusations concern extremely different situations. The survey conducted has had to take a total of six games under consideration out of a total of 4000 played over 4 seasons.

Whereas legal action is still pending in Germany concerning the 2007 Champions League Final, technical analysis has been conducted by independent experts on the referees` performance. The result of this expertise is clearly that no advantages whatsoever were given by the referees to any of the teams.

Concerning the allegation of prostitute offered to referees during the 2009 World Championship a strong denial has been issued by the referees supposed to have produced the initial revelation. Their statement is confirmed by many witnesses who were invited in the same restaurant at the same time.

Investigation is still pending concerning other four cases. Both IHF and EHF agree that in case the persons are found guilty, they must be punished with the highest severity. Similarly, those wrongly accused must be defended and their accusers brought to court.

So as to implement this strategy both IHF and EHF will follow the working plan established by the EHF and already communicated to the media. They will also seek legal advice so as to guarantee the protection of both federations and their officials.

- ends -

For more information on the measures taken by the EHF, please also find the statement below - published by the EHF on Sunday, 29.03.2009.

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.