BUSINESS REPORT 2020 WELCOME FROM THE EHF PRESIDENT

Get more from this year’s EHF Business Report online The digital report features extended articles, videos, more stats and extra photos.

Available now at When the European Federation was for international matches. Together with the the technical commissions and the stakeholders transitioning from 2019 into 2020 and making handball community, the EHF was steadfast in that continue to fght tirelessly for handball. businessreport.eurohandball.com its preparations for the year to come – as we making sure that matches only took place if the However, I reserve my deepest gratitude for the looked forward to the initiation of the new safety of all involved was beyond doubt. representatives of the member federations and media and marketing agreement following two the employees of the EHF and EHF Marketing Project manager: years of preparation, two EHF EURO events, The EHF was determined to get back in the game, offces for their relentless efforts in this Jelena Bagaric a new-look competition season and all the and we scored the frst victory with the 2020/21 tumultuous year. club season starting as scheduled in late August. Design/implementation: positive experiences a new year in handball can bring – it was impossible to predict that a The organisation connected the handball As we close the door on 2020 and move towards Warp Design: Scott Randall, Jonathan Goodwin pandemic would sweep the globe in 2020. family directly through our ‘Back2Handball’ 2021 with cautious optimism, there is still plenty online platform that facilitated the expedited of work to be done; our plans, though amended, Content: As the sobering situation developed, the exchange of information and delivered fnancial to develop handball are still in play and we will Marsha Brown, Andrew Barringer, European Handball Federation intensifed support to its members. In the new year, the remain prudent in our actions as we take the Joanne Harris; collaboration on all levels in its endeavours sporting calendar will be at its capacity as events organisation forward. Proofreader: Courtney Gahan, Jamie Whittington to limit the threat that the Covid-19 pandemic that were either postponed until, or already posed to the sport. Heeding the science and scheduled in, 2021 are presented to the world; Best wishes, Photography: the advice of experts, the EHF developed a and handball is no exception as our younger age kolektiffmages, EHF/M Archive hygiene concept to ensure the safety of people category events reclaim the spotlight. participating in handball daily – from offce staff European Handball Federation to offcials, to delegates, and, most importantly, We hope that we have made it clear that handball Media and Communications Department for our players. We were able to support is here to stay and to be developed further! [email protected] national teams and clubs with rapid antigen And I take this opportunity to sincerely thank Michael Wiederer Twitter: @HomeOfHandball testing kits and implemented a testing regime the members of the EHF Executive Committee, President, European Handball Federation

WE PLAY HANDBALL 3 3 WELCOME FROM THE PRESIDENT 6-7 WE PLAY HANDBALL 8-9 ENTER THE ARENA 10-13 MEN’S EHF EURO 2020 14-17 WOMEN’S EHF EURO 2020 18-21 VELUX EHF FINAL4 2020 22 MEN’S EHF EURO 2022 QUALIFIERS 23 STOPPED BY THE PANDEMIC 24-25 NEW ERA 26 EHF AND EHF MARKETING HIGHLIGHT HANDBALL AT SPOBIS 27 THE NEW ERA WITH INFRONT AND DAZN IS HERE 28 NEW EHF BRAND HIGHLIGHTS HANDBALL VALUES 29 CIRCLE AS THE BASIS FOR EHF EURO COMPETITIONS 30-31 NEW LOOK OF CLUB COMPETITIONS 32 BEACH HANDBALL 33 JUMP SHOT BECOMES THE SOUND OF HANDBALL 34 A NEW-LOOK HOME OF HANDBALL 35 NEW SOCIAL MEDIA ECOSYSTEM 36-37 BACK IN THE GAME 38 BACK TO HANDBALL 39 REFRESHED AND READY FOR NEW SEASON 40 SHOWTIME FOR CHAMPIONS 41 MORE GOALS, MORE SAVES, MORE HANDBALL 42-43 CONFERENCES 44-45 EUROPEAN HANDBALL MASTER PLAN 46-49 SEVEN PLAYERS FOR THE FUTURE 50-51 COMMERCIAL SUCCESS 52 BROADCASTING TO MILLIONS 53 NEW TV LOOK FOR EHF COMPETITIONS 54 HUMMEL AND SELECT 55 GORENJE 56 DELO GROUP 57 EHFCL PARTNER OVERVIEW 58-59 GAME DEVELOPMENT 60 INTRODUCING GAME & SPORT SERVICES 60 NEW ELECTRONIC TRANSFER SYSTEM INTRODUCED 61 KINEXON TECHNOLOGY ADDING VALUE TO HANDBALL 62 COACHES EDUCATION 62 EUROPEAN HANDBALL MANAGER 62 EUROPEAN WEEK OF SPORT 63 EUROPEAN HANDBALL ONLINE SUMMIT 63 GRASSROOTS HANDBALL 64-71 REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONS 72-81 FROM THE HEADQUARTERS 82-83 COMING UP IN 2021 84 15TH ORDINARY EHF CONGRESS 85 30 YEARS OF EHF AND AWARDING OF FUTURE EHF EURO EVENTS 86 LOOKOUT TO 2021 CONTENTS WE PLAY HANDBALL ENTER THE ARENA wrote their nation into the history books Sagosen set a new high for the number of goals in January 2020, as they became the frst to scored by one player at a single EHF EURO after defend the EHF EURO title since last did netting 65 times. so in 2002. Spain defeated in the fnal played in front of 17,769 spectators at the Tele2 Another record was the overall number of Arena in Stockholm. spectators. The old record of 400,000 fans at the EHF EURO 2016 in had already The fnal capped an astonishing and memorable been broken after the main round in 2020, tournament. For the frst time ever, three nations with 420,000 spectators. By the end of the – Sweden, and – were joint hosts tournament, 500,000 fans had attended matches. of an EHF EURO, and matches were played in six cities: Stockholm, Malmö and Gothenburg Of the three hosts, two ended the EHF EURO in Sweden; Vienna and Graz in Austria; and 2020 with their best-ever result at the European Trondheim in Norway. championship: Norway won bronze and Austria fnished eighth. It was also the frst EHF EURO with 24 MEN’S Champions Spain qualifed directly for the participating teams instead of the previous number of 16. 65 matches were played across Olympic Games, and also booked their ticket for the three weeks of competition. the World Championship 2021 in Egypt alongside Croatia and bronze medallists Norway. “European handball has defnitely become more competitive in the new format. You really had The competition delivered more data than to be on your toes right from the start, if you ever before at a major championship, with live wanted to make it to the fnal weekend,” statistics from Kinexon and the iBall provided said EHF President Michael Wiederer. to fans, media and teams.

Many records were broken during the EHF EURO tournament. On the court, Norway’s Sander 2020

1.1 500,000 BILLION FANS IN GLOBAL TV THE ARENA AUDIENCE

10 WE PLAY HANDBALL WE PLAY HANDBALL 11 DIGITAL STRATEGY BRINGS MEN’S EHF EURO 2020

TO MILLIONS 125,000 APP DOWNLOADS

23 MILLION VIDEO VIEWS

From a record of half-a-million spectators increase click-through rates for articles by up to viewing inside arenas to the millions of people 57 per cent. Videocites measured the full impact watching on television and online, the frst of content produced through its extensive video EHF EURO to feature 24 teams in three nations analytics offering. Finally, Antourage delivered captivated handball fans around the world. live and interactive behind-the-scenes content exclusively accessed through a widget in the The competition was screened by almost 90 tournament’s app. All fve companies were broadcasters, while one million fans accessed introduced by Infront Lab. EHFTV – with almost half of this number watching the action live on the platform. More than 125,000 fans downloaded the offcial EHF EURO app and 20,000 participated in the EHF media and marketing partner Infront, a All-star Team vote. The offcial EHF EURO 2020 Wanda Sports Group company, drove a record website reached over 30 per cent more fans aged increase in online engagement. 18-24 than the previous edition.

There were almost two million fan engagements Offcial sponsors of the Men’s EHF EURO were across all EHF social media channels, and over also able to take advantage of the improved 23 million video views – an increase of 142 digital approach. Pump manufacturer Grundfos per cent compared to the 2018 edition. Social presented the Grundfos Player of the Match media followers grew by over 73,000 during award and combined it with a water donation to the tournament alone. Automated videos and those in need. graphics using technology from Infront partners WSC and DEEP ensured fans had instant access A highlight video and an additional fan quiz to a broad range of customised content. were distributed on Grundfos’ own social media channel and amplifed by EHF networks, reaching Minute.ly amplifed the impact of the EHF video almost 4.4 million timelines and resulting in over content, with artifcial intelligence identifying the 240,000 interactions. most engaging moment of every clip and helping

12 WE PLAY HANDBALL WE PLAY HANDBALL 13 4 MILLION 30,000 WATCHED ALL-STAR THE FINAL IN TEAM VOTES

Norway won a record eighth EHF EURO title in stepped up as the sole hosts after December 2020, defeating France 22:20 at the Norway withdrew shortly before the tournament Jyske Bank Boxen in Herning, Denmark. due to the coronavirus crisis, and were able to host the tournament in Herning and Kolding Norwegian goalkeeper , left wing through the adoption of strict hygiene protocols Camilla Herrem and line player Marit Malm protecting players, offcials, staff and volunteers Frafjord tied compatriots Breivang, Linn Kristin from infection. Riegelhuth-Koren and Kari Aalvik Grimsbø as the only players with fve EHF EURO titles. EHF President Michael Wiederer said: “This EHF EURO was more than positive for our Nora Mørk was the tournament’s top scorer, sport, we are really proud of that. Setting up a fnishing the fnal with 52 goals. She became the championship in this incredibly short time frame, frst female player to win the top scorer award including a second, completely new venue, was twice, having previously led the standings at the only possible because of the incredible amount EHF EURO 2016. of flexibility and experience shown by the Danish France took their frst EHF EURO silver medal to Handball Association.” add to the 2018 gold and three earlier bronze Although fans were unable to attend the games WOMEN’S medals, with the loss in the fnal their only defeat live, the championship saw huge fan engagement of the tournament. across with millions tuning in to watch the Meanwhile Croatia wrote history by not just matches on TV and online as well as engaging reaching the main round for the frst time ever, with the offcial EHF EURO social media channels but winning bronze against hosts Denmark. and those of the federations.

The four semi-fnalists all booked their Live data was also provided to fans, the media tickets to the World Championship 2021 in and teams through analytics provider Kinexon Spain, alongside the hosts and reigning world and the SELECT iBall. champions the Netherlands.

The fnal was the culmination of a unique championships which took place amid the EHF EURO 2020 Covid-19 pandemic.

14 WE PLAY HANDBALL WE PLAY HANDBALL 15 FAN ENGAGEMENT 10 MILLION PLAYS FOR A SINGLE HIGH FOR WOMEN’S TIKTOK EHF EURO 2020

7 MILLION VIDEO VIEWS ON EHF EURO SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS

Fans may not have been able to attend the Listenership of the offcial EHF EURO podcast, Women’s EHF EURO 2020 in person, but produced by the (Un)Informed Handball Hour, millions were able to experience the passion also continues to rise, with 35,000 trackable and excitement of the tournament through downloads recorded since the beginning of the digital media. tournament.

Social media engagement soared during the Matches were shown live and on demand by competition. A clip of a handball sticking to the over 30 broadcasters to fans in more than 50 shirt of French player Alexandra Lacrabère was countries, with over 200,000 unique users also viewed nearly 10 million times on the EHF’s logging on to EHFTV to watch action during the offcial TikTok channel, further highlighting tournament including over 20,000 new users. handball’s ever-growing expansion into younger audiences. During the fnal weekend millions of handball fans tuned in. The fnal between France and The success of the Lacrabère clip helped Norway proved incredibly popular with fans in generate a colossal 200 per cent increase in front of their televisions with four million people followership of the EHF EURO TikTok account, watching in France alone. In Norway, 1.2m with an additional 25,000 followers recorded in witnessed the Norwegian team lift the trophy – a less than a week during the tournament. market share of 21.4 per cent.

Community growth on social media also Interest in Denmark was also incredibly strong, increased in general during the tournament, with with 1.7 million fans watching the Danes’ semi- over 16,000 new users following offcial EHF fnal against Norway – a hugely dominant 70.5 EURO Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube per cent share of the market. Many of the host accounts and video views surpassing 7 million. nation’s earlier games were watched by a market share of 50 per cent. Download numbers of the EHF’s new mobile game also suggest a younger audience is engaging with handball in different, fresher ways. The game has been downloaded 10,000 times.

16 WE PLAY HANDBALL WE PLAY HANDBALL 17 THW Kiel became the frst club to win the previous day lost to Kiel after extra time in VELUX EHF FINAL4 for the third time in their semi-fnal. December 2020, fnishing the 2019/20 club season on a high. The VELUX EHF FINAL4 was the culmination of a 10-year partnership between EHF Marketing Kiel had previously won the VELUX EHF FINAL4 and the VELUX Group which set new standards in 2010 and 2012, and as in their frst victory in for sponsorship in handball. Between 2010 Cologne, they beat Barça after an intense fnal in and 2020 the partnership saw 11 mesmerising the LANXESS arena, winning 33:28. VELUX EHF FINAL4 events in Cologne.

With four trophies (including 2007), Kiel are Managing Director of EHF Marketing GmbH, second-ranked in the EHF Champions League title David Szlezak, said: “We’re really proud of what ranking, now ahead of treble winners Ciudad Real we have achieved together with our colleagues and just below record winners Barça (eight titles). at the VELUX Group over the past 10 years. Together we have been successful in developing VELUX Coach Filip Jicha became the third person to a partnership that has enabled us to not only win the EHF Champions League as a player and fulfl but also surpass the expectations of the a coach after and Roberto VELUX Group as title sponsor.” Parrondo – and the frst to win it with the same club, as the Czech was a crucial part of Kiel’s The partnership covered not just naming triumphs in 2010 and 2012. rights, but also included campaigns driving fan engagement and supporting grass-roots handball THW right wing Niclas Ekberg completed the around the world. 2019/20 season with 85 goals, the most of any player, while line player Hendrik Pekeler was The ‘Let’s Play’ project highlighted this, with over named MVP of the VELUX EHF FINAL4 2020. 15,000 free delivered to 48 countries around the world as 1,289 youth teams showed Paris Saint-Germain took third place, beating their passion for handball by taking part in the Telekom Veszprém 31:26. Veszprém had the campaign.

EHF

OVER 1 MILLION PEOPLE WATCHED MATCHES ON FINAL4 EUROSPORT

2020 800 BROADCASTING HOURS

18 WE PLAY HANDBALL WE PLAY HANDBALL 19 RECORD-BREAKING VELUX EHF FINAL4

THW Kiel’s journey to the VELUX EHF followed the four matches, resulting in record Champions League 2019/20 title was followed unique visitor numbers on both matchdays. by millions across the globe at the VELUX EHF FINAL4 2020 in Cologne in December. More than 600 individual clips were uploaded to the EHF’s own digital channels as well as on EHF Marketing had secured 40 broadcasters those of partners and stakeholders, generating 13 to distribute the EHF FINAL4 to more than 80 a reach of 13 million and plenty of engagement territories. This included a frst-time presence during the event. 100,000 in China as well as more than 800 broadcasting MILLION FANS WATCHED hours in the markets of the four participating Creation and delivery of all clips was executed teams – France, Germany, and Spain – through a new content distribution process which PEOPLE REACHED and beyond. was implemented earlier this year by the EHF and FOUR MATCHES EHF Marketing together with DAZN and which ON SOCIAL At German broadcaster Eurosport a combined can automatically generate tailor-made content ON EHFTV audience of more than one million tuned in over for every stakeholder. MEDIA the two days, with fgures peaking at 550,000 and a market share of up to 2 per cent during the EHF Marketing Managing Director David Szlezak fnal when THW Kiel ended a 22-match unbeaten said: “These are extraordinary fgures for run of their opponents, Barça, in the EHF European club handball at the end of a very Champions League to claim the trophy. special year 2020. They are among the best recorded for a VELUX EHF FINAL4, and we are Augmented reality was used as part of the TV very happy that we could deliver our highlight production for the frst time and showcased event to so many fans around the world.” in the opening shows and during the matches themselves, bringing the court action even closer EHF Marketing Director Media Operations Miguel to the fans watching from home. Mateo said: “These numbers really show that all efforts have been worth it and through our On the European Handball Federation’s OTT partners, the established as well as the new platform, EHFTV, more than 100,000 fans ones, we have reached a global audience.”

20 WE PLAY HANDBALL WE PLAY HANDBALL 21 STOPPED BY THE PANDEMIC

It what were unprecedented circumstances in and Women’s EHF Cup and Challenge Cup 12.5 the history of the European Handball Federation were also unfortunately cancelled as the EHF in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the EHF Executive Committee took sad but necessary MEN’S EHF Executive Committee was unfortunately action to halt the competitions. MILLION placed in the unenviable position of cancelling a number of high-profle competitions and The remaining four rounds of the Women’s PEOPLE matches during the 2019/20 season. EHF EURO 2020 qualifers were curtailed, with nations then securing places at the fnal REACHED The decisions were made due to the pandemic tournament based on their ranking at the after intensive monitoring of the situation, Women’s EHF EURO 2018. including the analysis of governmental EURO 2022 measures such as travel restrictions and The Men’s World Championship 2021 play-offs bans of major events. were also cancelled, with teams heading to the tournament in Egypt based on their performance Many discussions and consultations took place at the Men’s EHF EURO 2020. with all stakeholders of the EHF, the respective boards such the Nations Board, the Professional On the beach, it was the same story, with several Handball Board, the Women’s Handball Board of the EHF’s most popular competitions removed and the Men’s and Women’s Club Boards, as well from the schedule. These included the ebt Finals QUALIFIERS in Cyprus plus the qualifcation championships as the International Handball Federation. for the Beach Handball EURO 2021. The overarching aim was to fnish the 2019/20 9.9 season in the best possible way, while The future stars of the sport were also sadly simultaneously building the foundation to start denied their chance to shine, as younger age MILLION the 2020/21 season with structure and the least category tournaments were also stopped by impact possible from the current season. The the pandemic. the EHF opted to cancel four PHOTO fact that all handball stakeholders would face competitions – the Men’s 18 and Men’s 20 EHF a challenging next competition and economic EUROs scheduled to take place in cycle was an important consideration. and Croatia respectively, and the Men’s 20 IMPRESSIONS EHF Championships scheduled to take place in The most high-profle casualty of the pandemic Bosnia Herzegovina and Latvia in January 2021. was the DELO WOMEN’S EHF Champions League The Men’s 18 EHF Championships are postponed 2020, which was stopped before the season to August 2021 and will take place in Bulgaria, could reach its exciting climax. Both the Men’s and Latvia.

Despite Covid-19 restrictions affecting Digital success federations and clubs, the battle to reach the In cooperation with DAZN Group, the EHF Men’s EHF EURO 2022 fnal in Budapest on 30 provided participating federations with more January 2022 began in early November with the video content than ever. Through Socialie, a frst of six rounds of qualifers. special content delivery platform, federations received tailor-made content almost in real time. The journey towards the Men’s EHF EURO 2022 in Hungary and Slovakia saw 22 teams in action A total of 163 posts led to 1.1 million in the opening two rounds of qualifers, further impressions and almost 500,000 video views highlighting the hard, meticulous and careful on their own channels for the content published work carried out by federations to enable through Socialie. matches to be played in a safe environment during the pandemic. In total, the social media coverage of the Men’s EHF EURO 2022 Qualifers and EHF EURO Cup In total, 32 teams in eight groups are set to vie 2022 generated a reach of 12.5 million – with for the 20 tickets reserved for each of the eight 2.3 million video views and 9.9 million photo group winners and runners-ups, as well as the impressions. This includes the EHF’s social four best third-ranked teams. media channels and those of federations, players and broadcasters. Besides the hosts – Hungary and Slovakia – EHF EURO 2020 champions Spain and silver The EHF EURO 2022 Qualifers continue in medallists Croatia have directly qualifed for the January, March and April 2021 before the all- 2022 event. The quartet threw off in the second important fnal round of qualifers in May 2021 EHF EURO Cup, which provides four nations with determines the 24-team line-up for the fnal their own road to the fnal tournament. tournament in January 2022.

In the opening two rounds of qualifers before Christmas, 14 teams were able to enjoy a full week of qualifers and play two matches.

22 WE PLAY HANDBALL WE PLAY HANDBALL 23 NEW ERA EHFAND EHF THE NEW ERA MARKETING HIGHLIGHT WITH INFRONT HANDBALL AT SPOBIS AND DAZN IS HERE

Members of both the EHF and EHF Marketing Wiederer, together with John Gleasure, Chief effects of the record-breaking EHF EURO 2020 On 1 July, the European Handball Federation DAZN is well-placed to provide the innovative and new features enabling fans to watch games, attended Europe’s largest sports business Business Development Offcer of DAZN Group within the world of sports business,” said (EHF) and EHF Marketing GmbH were delighted media rights strategy and extensive digital classic matches and highlights from all EHF event, SPOBIS, in Düsseldorf in February 2020. and Julien Ternisien, Senior Vice President Hausleitner. “With the EHF EURO 2024 taking to announce the start of the 10-year partnership expertise required to achieve these objectives. competitions live and on demand. They joined hundreds of prominent sports Summer Sports of Infront, spoke at length about place in Germany, we hope for a very positive with Infront and DAZN. Worth between €500 With a proven track record of success with business experts as well as close to 4,000 the contract and the benefts it will bring to the effect here.” million and €600 million, the deal is the biggest long-term rights partnerships with the likes of Digitally optimised, high-quality content for attendees overall at the conference. sport over the next decade. in the history of the sport. It provides not the WTA, FIBA, Conmebol and NFL and digitally all platforms is created by Infront and DAZN’s The event also acted as a key networking only signifcant fnancial investment over the focussed brands including DAZN, the sport newly assembled dedicated digital production EHF President Michael Wiederer was “2020 is arguably one of the most important years opportunity, with both the EHF and EHF duration of the contract from 2020 to 2030, but streaming service; and Spox.com, a leading experts based in Madrid, who will eventually accompanied by EHF Secretary General Martin for European handball in the recent past. SPOBIS Marketing present at the SPOBIS career day. also industry-leading knowledge, expertise and sports website in the German-speaking market, work on more than 5,000 pieces of video content Hausleitner and EHF Marketing Managing Director was a great opportunity to put the spotlight on services from both the EHF’s existing partner, the UK-based company is recognised as the for all major EHF competitions. Joint work took David Szlezak at the event, and all three delivered the changes and new developments that are to With a number of new roles opening ahead of place for the frst digital campaign to promote the start of the Infront and DAZN contract, a Infront, one of the world’s leading international digital leader in global sports media. insightful presentations on stage. come,” said Szlezak. sports marketing companies, and DAZN, a the start of the EHF Champions League 2020/21 team from Vienna were on hand to explain the 360-degree digital strategy season: Showtime for Champions. A player and The success of the record-breaking Men’s global leader in digital media. “It was furthermore a platform to strengthen opportunities as well as the benefts that come influencer programme will also form part of the EHF EURO 2020 was discussed, as well as the The launch of a 360-degree digital strategy existing contacts and to build the base for new with working in handball. At the core of the partnership is a new long-term new strategy for the EHF EURO. importance of the EHF FINAL4 as a highlight potential partnerships in Germany, one of our takes handball into a new era. At the heart of it, strategy, which will see the two companies the new digital ecosystem – which launched on event in handball. The trio spoke about the future core markets.” work closely with the EHF and EHF Marketing Together, the digital strategy will create and of the sport and the federation’s media and 1 July across all platforms including TV, OTT, curate content for fans, broadcasters, clubs “The presence at SPOBIS gave us the opportunity GmbH — together with Forum Club Handball, digital and social media – amplifes the reach marketing rights deal with Infront and DAZN. the organisation representing Europe’s top and national teams on digital and social media to bring across and amplify the very positive and awareness of handball. Online, the new to grow audiences, engage and entertain them men’s and women’s clubs — to secure signifcant content platform, ‘Home of Handball’, provides growth for the sport across both existing and new beyond the 60 minutes of the game and lay the a one-stop shop for the best European handball foundation for the long-term growth of the sport. markets. A key focus of the strategic plan will content. This is complemented on social media be to grow the appeal of the sport, particularly with dedicated ‘Home of Handball’ channels. It is the start of a innovative partnership – to younger audiences, through an enhanced and one that is already paying dividends on digital offering. The offcial streaming platform, EHFTV; has been and off the court. revamped with a state-of-the-art video player

26 WE PLAY HANDBALL WE PLAY HANDBALL 27 NEW EHF BRAND CIRCLE AS HIGHLIGHTS THE BASIS FOR HANDBALL VALUES EHF EURO COMPETITIONS

In the summer of 2020, the EHF and EHF including the pentagon, which is visible in always remain core to the EHF strategy, Logos for EHF EURO events are created by the This striking design features the EHF primary Marketing unveiled a new brand, encompassing the distorted version of the EHF Champions the federation does more than that. local organisers of each edition. To assist, the colour, a dark blue, together with the national the history, values and future of handball. League logo. EHF has established a logo design template to colours of both host nations – red, green, white The brand claims, such as “We play handball”, ensure coherency of the EHF brand throughout and blue. The logo relates closely to the event’s The brand identity pays tribute to the humble New logos were unveiled for club competitions “Empower to inspire”, and “Part of the game” all future tournaments. motto “WATCH GAMES. SEE MORE”, highlighting heritage of handball – a unique, family sport and the beach handball discipline, and a are aimed at uniting the many different aspects the many opportunities for fans around the available for everyone to enjoy. logo template for EHF EURO competitions of handball through the brand design system. By following these guidelines, local organising fve venues. was introduced. There is no longer any committees are able to build an offcial The development of the new brand platform differentiation between men’s and women’s While the new brand identity heralds the start competition brand that is clearly related to the In due course, a complete overhaul of the began in the summer of 2018 and took club competition branding. Imagery associated of a new era, the goals remain the same as they EHF. Every EHF EURO competition adopts this branding for younger age category events several months to complete. It began with the with the brand focuses on the intensity of on- have always been: to encourage the public to pick shape as the base of all of its logos, thereby will also be rolled out. formulation and delivery of the brand core court action, the emotions of the players, and up a ball and join their local club, to promote the ensuring a clear visual relationship within the as a strong launch pad for the subsequent the passion and dedication of handball fans. highest profle matches on television and across EHF logo family. development and rollout of ‘products’, the digital ecosystem, and to motivate fans to engagements and organisational behaviour. New brand claims were also introduced, to experience the spine-tingling atmosphere of a live The structured use of other design elements, reflect the fact that, while playing handball will match inside Europe’s biggest handball arenas. such as fonts and colours, strengthens At the heart of the new approach is an updated this relationship. This approach ensures a and fresh representation of how the origins recognisable brand throughout all EHF EURO and successes of European handball are competitions. communicated, expressed and promoted. The template is focused around a circular shape Therefore, subtle alterations have been made to represent a handball, and includes the EHF in the visual presentation of the EHF and logo within the main logo. EHF brand typography its associated competitions, with a newly – identifying the competition and its dates and developed design created to offer consistent location – completes the template. communication of the new umbrella brand across all European competitions. Using the EHF EURO logo template, the organising committees for the Men’s EHF EURO The brand core serves as a guide for the EHF, 2022 in Hungary and Slovakia have created a describing the reason for its existence, the logo system for the event in January 2022. culture it presents, how it sees itself and the perception others have about the federation, but also how it wants to be seen, what it does and the purpose it aims to fll.

From the core, the newly developed EHF Brand Design System guides effective, consistent delivery of the new handball umbrella brand towards all stakeholders across all European handball competitions. The system is built on NEW EHF BRAND the ambition “Empower to inspire” and aims to SLOGANS give the EHF the tools to galvanise the various WE PLAY HANDBALL aspects of handball through a unifed front.

The system implements new or adapted brand elements, such as logos, colours, typography, EMPOWER TO INSPIRE imagery and sound for the club and national team competitions. It is intended to serve as a working tool for partners and stakeholders involved in brand delivery in order to show a unifed picture ENTER THE ARENA to the world when communicating the European handball brand. The shape of a handball itself is referenced JOIN, WATCH, AND VISIT! throughout the entire EHF brand system. On a national team level, the spherical shape of the ball is used to empower all national team EVERY SECOND COUNTS competition logos.

By emphasising an individual tile on the ball – represented by the pentagon and the lines PART OF THE GAME which form the stitching – the form becomes a strong abstract symbol for the club competitions,

28 WE PLAY HANDBALL WE PLAY HANDBALL 29 NEW LOOK OF CLUB COMPETITIONS EHF CHAMPIONS EHF EUROPEAN LEAGUE LEAGUE AND EHF

The introduction of the new EHF brand The EHF European League and EHF European coincided with the launch of the new-look Cup are newly formed competitions in the European club competitions structure. Each 2020/21 season. The EHF European League of the three competitions received a fresh logo, replaces the former EHF Cup as the EHF’s all following the same brand values as the second-tier club competition and the EHF primary EHF brand. European Cup has become the third-tier competition, replacing the Challenge Cup. The club competition logos all emphasise an individual tile on a handball. The form becomes a Both competitions come with a new corporate strong abstract symbol for the club competitions, identity, following the EHF umbrella brand including the pentagon visible in the distorted identity, using the usual fonts and EHF blue version od the EHF Champions League logo. as the primary colour. The two competitions are differentiated by colour: orange for EHF The new EHF Champions League logo is the best European League and light blue for the EHF example of this, with a rejuvenated golden star European Cup. forming the basis of the refreshed emblem of European handball’s elite competitions for both As with all EHF competitions, the EHF European men and women. League logo is based on the handball element, with the new, orange-coloured logo formed The brand refresh also saw a redesign of the by an abstract version of the letter ‘E’ rotating EHF Champions League trophy. EHF Marketing around the sides of a pentagon. The letter ‘E’ also launched a public tender and received a total stands for EHF and Europe. The shape of the EHF of 27 designs from companies and artists European Cup logo also derives from the pattern in 12 countries. of the handball – this time in a bright blue.

The winning agency was Sustain Awards by The logo and additional elements that are Spain’s Oiko Design Offce. The core idea of used in the EHF European League’s imagery the trophy was to represent a goal as the main symbolise the energy, toughness and intensity objective of the sport, to reflect the dynamic that transform from the action on court and movement of a ball hitting the target and to the performance of the teams into the visual transmit handball as a team game by forming presentation of the new competition. the net in the shape of a shield. The net itself symbolises the needed connection within a A new EHF European League sound logo and team – all for one and one for all. anthems were also designed to consistently complement all audio-visual communications. A new EHF Champions League sound logo and anthem were designed for the top club competitions. Both came to life in the arena and are a consistent complement all audio-visual communications.

30 WE PLAY HANDBALL WE PLAY HANDBALL 31 A FRESH NEW LOOK The spirit of beach handball has been emphasis again placed on ensuring a consistent commitment to developing and promoting the encapsulated in a new and specially created promotion of the EHF beach handball brand. discipline across Europe and beyond. beach handball DNA, which was frst introduced with an updated, fresh EHF beach handball logo. Similarly, the rays of sunlight will also be “Beach handball plays an important role in many seen in the EHF Beach Handball Champions aspects of the EHF’s master plan, especially Fitting in perfectly alongside the theme of the Cup branding. at grassroots level, where mini beach handball new logos for all EHF club competitions, the is of particular focus. The launch of the new beach handball logo takes its main inspiration The sun-inspired logo will also form part of future brand plays a crucial part when it comes to help from the sun – think rays of light shining down Beach Handball EURO competitions, through shaping the overall image of the sport, with on the sand and the players below. a template that will be customised by each growth a signifcant priority,” Hausleitner said. tournament’s host. All future EHF beach handball competitions will carry the unifed logo, resulting in a Furthermore, beach handball’s visibility on the clear, consistent brand identity at all future EHF’s new Home of Handball website was given competitions. greater prominence.

The same is true of the European Beach Tour EHF Secretary General Martin Hausleitner said: (ebt), for which a new logo has been designed “The launch of the new beach handball brand specifcally for use at all ebt tournaments, with represents a signifcant step forward in the EHF’s

JUMP SHOT BECOMES THE SOUND OF HANDBALL

The iconic jump shot has become the backbone of the game in a single hit, and the agency for a new holistic approach to sound, which the extracted this into a rhythmic design pattern. EHF and EHF Marketing have captured in order to create a unique and recognisable acoustic The result is a sound that was frst heard as part connection between what happens on the of the EHF Champions League brand rollout. It is court and off it. intended to encapsulate not just the jump sound but the excitement and exhilaration of handball The EHF are the frst sporting federation to have in a head-turning, adrenaline-pumping theme. such an approach to sound identity, and the brand sound will connect the various leagues The brand sound will complement all audio- and tournaments that ft under the EHF brand visual communications, including the opening design system. and closing sequences for TV elements, digital streaming platforms and social media content. For the EHF brand sound, sound agency WESOUND unlocked the core of the Sound of New anthems for the EHF Champions League and Handball and created a DNA as the recurring EHF European League were also commissioned element across all audio-visual applications. to bring the brand to life in the arena. The sound of a jump shot conveys the emotions

32 WE PLAY HANDBALL WE PLAY HANDBALL 33 A NEW-LOOK NEW SOCIAL HOME OF HANDBALL MEDIA ECOSYSTEM

The EHF launched a new website in the summer Every competition is presented in its very own content the eagerly anticipated EHF Champions of 2020. The Home of Handball is designed premium colour pallet and featuring elegant League 2020/21 draw. as a hub for everything in European handball, new logos. housing all EHF competitions and components A state-of-the-art video player and a host of new under one roof. A key functionality element of the new website features mean fans can watch live games, relive is the Home of Handball button. Located at the classic matches and check out highlights from all The EHF and EHF Marketing worked closely bottom centre of the page, it enables visitors to EHF competitions. with one of Austria’s top digital agencies, quickly navigate throughout the many sections of Kraftwerk, to completely overhaul and refresh the website. EHFTV continues to offer the best handball – visually and functionally – the previous content for free. This approach has been eurohandball.com website. A live ticker at the top of the page allows the complemented with the option to subscribe to the handball community to follow all current and portal. This free subscription gives handball fans One of the main goals was how to best represent upcoming games, as well as giving direct links to the option to watch games live and on demand the EHF’s personality, culture and spirit and detailed match information for all competitions. and also allows them to improve and personalise reflect the new brand strategy and corporate their fan experience during the season. identity online. The new brand is reflected on The EHF’s offcial streaming platform, EHFTV, every page of the website, providing a modern, also received a complete revamp. The new-look professional and comprehensive look and feel. platform went live on 1 July, with the frst live

With the number of followers across all EHF wheelchair handball, and engage followers 24/7 social media channels passing the 1.25 million throughout the entire season. mark in early 2020, engaging an ever-growing and hungry audience has never been Meanwhile, the EHF Activities channels, more important. born from the fusion of the EHF Competence Academy & Network and the EHF’s corporate As a result, the European Handball Federation’s communications, aim to reach out to handball digital channels underwent several changes in professionals and experts about topics such June 2020, to cater for the increase in demand as, among many others, player health, coaching and to reflect the new digital strategy starting techniques, development of the sport and alongside the 10-year partnership with Infront governance. The EHF Activities channels are also and DAZN. the platform for EHF institutional communication.

Adding to the pre-existing competition-specifc The EHF’s main channels covering club and channels, including the EHF Champions League national team competitions remained untouched. and EHF EURO, two new channels have been Content across the EHF Champions League and created: Home of Handball and EHF Activities. EHF EURO channels will continue to give fans exclusive and unique insight on and off the court, The newly created Home of Handball channels with access that no other handball social media mirror the website’s goal as a one-stop shop channel can offer. for all things handball and act as a cross- competition hub for handball followers. The All the channels can be found on Facebook, channels provide followers with content across Instagram and Twitter. The Home of Handball is both club and national team competitions as well additionally present on TikTok and YouTube, and as younger age categories, beach handball and EHF Activities is also on YouTube.

34 WE PLAY HANDBALL WE PLAY HANDBALL 35 BACK IN THE GAME BACK TO REFRESHED AND READY HANDBALL FOR THE NEW SEASON

European club handball returned in late August In both competitions, the top two teams in each while the women’s competition saw 34 entries 2020, as the qualifcation rounds for the new group will advance to the quarter-fnals, while the for 16 group phase spots. EHF European League got underway. teams placed third to sixth in each group will face each other in the play-offs to progress. A total of 12 teams were pre-qualifed for the Meanwhile, Europe’s premium competition for men’s group phase, and four women’s teams men and women, the EHF Champions League, The winners of each of the double-header were also pre-qualifed. The top four men’s threw off in September. quarter-fnals will move on to the EHF FINAL4 teams from each group of six will progress to events, with the men’s competition once again the Last 16, while the top two women’s teams The start of the top flight saw changes to the heading to Cologne and the DELO EHF FINAL4 from each group of four will proceed to the competition structure for men and women, with to Budapest. quarter-fnals. both the DELO EHF Champions League and the EHF Champions League Men introducing a group For 2020/21, DELO were named the title The third tier of the new-look European phase featuring two groups of eight teams. sponsors of the women’s competition for a competition, the EHF European Cup, sees second successive season. head-to-head knockout matches throughout the The EHF Champions League Men’s group competition, with a draw conducted for each matches were set for Wednesday and Thursday In the EHF European League, a total of 51 clubs round through to the fnal matches to be played evenings each week, with the DELO EHF competed over two qualifcation rounds for the in May 2021. European Cup matches began in Champions League group phase played on 24 places available in the men’s group phase, October 2020. Saturdays and Sundays.

Following the cancellation of matches across in the new EHF European League began with the Europe in the spring of 2020 due to the opening round of men’s qualifcation from 28 coronavirus pandemic, the EHF released a to 30 August, before the women’s competition Back to Handball hygiene strategy for clubs and began in October. November also saw the start national federations to ensure a controlled and of the Men’s EHF EURO 2022 Qualifers and safe return to the game as the 2020/21 season continued with the highlight events of the approached and beyond. year – Women’s EHF EURO 2020 and VELUX EHF FINAL4. Clubs and national federations were informed that the requirements outlined in the concept The core principles of the hygiene concept were the minimum that they had to adhere to. require clubs and federations to name a Covid-19 offcer, who is responsible for handling the The focus of the concept was the implementation guidelines and controlling the necessary of a ‘Red Zone’ on the court, where only those communication. with a negative test are permitted. The concept also details comprehensive requirements and All players and offcials taking part in each game, recommendations for clubs and federations with access to the court, must have a negative to follow regarding support staff, media test. After testing negative, those involved are and spectators, all of which are in line with required to maintain minimum contact with other local guidelines. people during travel, in hotels and at venues.

Top-flight handball resumed with the frst group Alongside adherence to the ‘Red Zone’ at venues, matches in the DELO EHF Champions League time spent at any venue must be reduced to a on 12 September, and the men’s competition minimum, including in the changing rooms and throwing off four days later. The frst matches in mixed zones.

38 WE PLAY HANDBALL WE PLAY HANDBALL 39 SHOWTIME MORE GOALS, MORE FOR CHAMPIONS SAVES, MORE HANDBALL

The promotion strategy for the 2020/21 season The EHF European League Men group phase of the EHF Champions League focused on threw off in arenas across the continent in delivering drama and action into fans’ homes, October 2020. seeking to capitalise on an insatiable demand for entertainment. The new-look competition means that fans around the world have the chance to watch more The concept pitched the premium men’s and handball than ever before, with 24 teams from women’s competitions as gripping, intense, blink- 17 nations battling through the group phase for a and-you’ll-miss-it spectaculars, with the world’s place in the Last 16. best handball players delivering action, drama and a rollercoaster of emotions every week. With a host of high-profle teams lining up in this stage, a tough, intense and competitive 10 weeks The campaign kicked off with a series of trailers of matches lay ahead, with more goals, more and promotional images on the EHF social media saves and more passion guaranteed. channels before the EHF Champions League 2020/21 began. Along with the new EHF European League format and brand, a theme for the competition – ‘more At the heart of the concept, every Match of the handball than ever before’ – was introduced. Week (MOTW) is marketed as an episode of fans’ The theme was visible in online and on-site favourite TV series, but one accompanied by communication and placed all activations under plenty of behind-the-scenes exclusives. one roof.

Each MOTW starts in the morning of the big game The group phase included clubs with signifcant with a down-to-earth chat over a coffee with the European cup calibre and experience, such as key protagonists from both teams in the new Rhein-Neckar Löwen, Füchse Berlin and former Breakfast for Champions series, live EHF Champions League winners SC Magdeburg on Instagram. and Montpellier HB.

Each week, the Faces of the EHF Champions As a result, signifcant interest in the new-look League – Hannah Jackson, Markus Floth and competition saw 18 broadcasters acquire Anja Althaus – take it in turns to get the pre- the rights to show the drama live across the match lowdown straight from the dressing room. continent.

Armed with popcorn, the Faces encourage fans Plus, every game has been shown live around to settle down for the show when the buzzer goes the world every Tuesday on the relaunched and for the start of the match, to enjoy 60 minutes enhanced EHFTV, enabling fans to watch up to of the highest level of handball that cannot be four matches simultaneously. seen anywhere else. Miguel Mateo, Director Media Operations EHF Coverage continues on Instagram through Marketing, said: “The number of broadcast the match with clips provided by media partners on board to show this captivating frst partner DAZN. season of EHF European League is fantastic and it is the outcome of the big efforts done to set up When the curtain comes down it is time to this new competition in these challenging times. honour the stars of the show. The Player of the Match Award – awarded by DELO in the “Top European clubs will serve up a feast of goals women’s competition – is pitched as the handball and a level of competitiveness that is sure to equivalent of an Academy Award. The winners capture the hearts of the viewing audience across are celebrated with more imagery and video 25 territories. highlights after the match. “Such a high level of interest for this frst season When all the day’s matches are over, the aim is of the competition gives us the perfect start to a to leave fans blown away by the action they have promising future of the EHF European League.” seen, but left craving more unmissable drama.

40 WE PLAY HANDBALL WE PLAY HANDBALL 41 CONFERENCES

CONFERENCE FOR SECRETARIES GENERAL EUROPEAN HANDBALL CONVENTION Managers of national federations met in steps being implemented to ensure a safe return There was also an update from the EHF and EHF The European Handball Convention concluded Wiederer underlined the importance of the of, in total, several million euro and, therefore, September 2020 for the 12th Conference to action, including a recap on the EHF’s hygiene Marketing’s long-term media and marketing three intense meeting days for the European 10-year media and marketing deal with Infront a necessary revision of the EHF’s budget. for Secretaries General, to learn and discuss handball family in Vienna in September 2020. and DAZN Group, which came into effect on concept regarding Covid-19. partners, Infront and DAZN, on the progress made There was also a clear statement of intent to the changes and challenges within European 1 July, also stating that it put the European in sales, digital marketing and TV production. The convention followed two days of the hold the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in Cologne and the handball ahead of the busy 2020/21 season. As a result of the disruption to the 2019/20 Handball Federation in a position in which it calendar caused by Covid-19, the secretaries Federations were given an update on several EHF Secretaries General Conference and marked needed to deliver. Women’s EHF EURO 2020 as key events for the The conference also formed an important fnal general were also informed about updates to the projects within this area, including wheelchair another important step in the European Handball promotion and reputation of European handball. stage of the development of the new EHF Master Federation’s ‘Back in the Game’ approach. At “Decisions had and have to be taken. The worst- playing calendar, spanning club, national team handball, Respect Your Talent and data tracking. “We have to be present, otherwise we do not Plan, with the federations charged with providing the same time, the meeting of the EHF Executive case management scenario is not to decide,” and beach handball competitions. Additionally, exist,” said Wiederer. their inputs, ideas and requirements in a series information was given on the bidding processes Committee also took place in Vienna. he said. of break-out sessions to identify the goals of the for the EHF EURO 2026 and 2028 events. On an EHF level, these three meetings were the Wiederer outlined the decision-making process The convention’s keynote speech was entitled project plus the initiatives required at both EHF frst major ones to include the physical presence over the past six months. This process included ‘Save the Game’, after a book by German and national levels. Furthermore, the latest developments within philosopher Christoph Quarch. the EHF were introduced, with presentations of several federation representatives since the the involvement of the EHF EXEC for all With elite-level handball making a much- focusing on the new digital environment, the fnal weekend of the Men’s EHF EURO 2020. major decisions along the way, the necessary The convention also saw EHF Director Business cancellation and postponement of competitions, welcome return earlier in the month, the refreshed social media channels, the new Home In his opening words, EHF President Michael Development & Marketing, JJ Rowland, present conference – titled Back in the Game - Growing of Handball website and the new brand. the introduction of fnancial support measures a frst summary of the Secretaries General Wiederer said that this information exchange for federations and the Women’s EHF EURO 2020 Handball – began by informing federations on the was essential for European handball. Conference.

42 WE PLAY HANDBALL WE PLAY HANDBALL 43 EUROPEAN HANDBALL MASTER PLAN SEVEN PLAYERS FOR GOOD GOALKEEPER THE FUTURE: EUROPEAN GOVERNANCE The goalkeeper is the last line of defence, a safe decision-making procedures, the EHF will pair of hands and a back-up for everything that continue to ensure integrity and maintain high happens on court. ethical standards. Looking to the future, the issues of sustainability and the creation of CSR Good governance forms the basis for the programmes will be key topics for HANDBALL MASTER PLAN work of the EHF and its member federations. the master plan. Through democratic structures and transparent Following the signing of a 10-year media covers all of the federation’s many and varied The EHF has set itself and the European handball and marketing agreement with Infront and areas of core business from competitions, family ambitious goals for the future. Through DAZN Group in May 2018, the need for the events and marketing through to education and a successful implementation of the master development of a long-term strategy to grassroots development. The plan will provide plan, the EHF is aiming for a doubling of the ensure the continued growth of the sport was a set of tools through which the EHF and the commercial value of the sport and to frmly identifed. Extensive research was carried out, European handball family will work to realise establish handball as the leading indoor team including a survey of more than 4,500 fans in the federation’s vision to be the “most attractive sport in Europe. To do this it is planned to reach 10 European markets, as well as stakeholder and grow its community”. and engage with more people, whether they consultation across boards, commissions, be fans or active players, coaches or offcials, federations and clubs. Details of the plan were frst presented at the to create the optimal environment for playing EHF Conference of Presidents in Stockholm in the game as well as ensure that there are The result is the ‘European Handball Master Plan: January 2020 on the fringes of the Men’s EHF opportunities for everybody in the sport at every RIGHT WING Seven Players for the Future’, a new strategic EURO 2020. The Covid-19 pandemic, however, stage of their lives through the development of a plan that will form the basis for the federation’s meant that the development of the plan had to be ‘handball for life’ concept. work through to 2027 and beyond. delayed. A new initial ‘Back to Handball’ phase was introduced, with a variety of support COMMERCIAL With its seven pillars – representing the seven measures provided for national federations players on the handball court – the master plan .

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46 WE PLAY HANDBALL WE PLAY HANDBALL 47 GRASSROOTS LEFT WING FAN RIGHT BACK GROWTH At left wing is a key component to the future of our sport: grassroots growth. Through the APPEAL development of ‘handball for life’, the EHF The right back is one of the most valued players wants to create opportunities for more people in handball. Therefore, our aim of supplying to be able to play an active part in the sport handball fans with thrilling, personalised and irrespectively of age, ftness level, location or easy-to-access content 24/7, 365 days a year time commitments. is core in order to remain an attractive sport Special efforts need to be taken to attract and entertainment product. young people in kindergartens and schools and A holistic digital strategy will be at the centre of to retain more people in the sport throughout efforts in order to maintain these expectations their lives. More opportunities for offciating and for existing and new handball fans. This will be volunteering will also be important in developing done through a variety of channels, including grassroots growth. digital marketing – reaching and engaging fans beyond the EHF’s own channels – content creation, and rights distribution to maximise reach further.

THE CENTRE BACK HIGHLIGHT LEFT BACK GAME EVENTS The centre back is the brains of the team The left back is the powerhouse at the back – they direct play and as a result is one of the court, a real goal-getter and one of the of the key players for success on any team. stars of the show: just like our events. Top club and national team competitions provide a shop Handball is and will always be at the centre window for the sport and offer the opportunity of everything we do. We will create the to showcase handball, its teams and its players best possible environment for the sport, its at their very best. players, coaches and offcials at all levels in order to achieve the vision of being Europe’s High-profle events including the EHF EURO most attractive team sport. Work will focus and the club fnal tournaments such as the EHF on providing the best conditions for playing FINAL4 provide a high point to the season. the game as well as continued investment in They attract millions of TV viewers and fans technology to further improve offciating and in arenas across Europe and are an attractive bring the game even closer to fans. platform for partners and sponsors. The EHF and EHF Marketing will work together with Infront and DAZN as well as with organisers to further promote, develop and professionalise the approach to its benchmark events to ensure the best possible fan experience.

48 WE PLAY HANDBALL WE PLAY HANDBALL 49 COMMERCIAL SUCCESS BROADCASTING NEW TV LOOK FOR TO MILLIONS EHF COMPETITIONS Interest in broadcasting the EHF Champions Eurosport picked up exclusive broadcast rights High coverage of EHF EURO events League Men and DELO EHF Champions League for all men’s and women’s European club In January, 85 broadcasters around the world remained high as the 2020/21 season threw off. competitions in France and Poland until the showed games from the Men’s EHF EURO 2020, end of the 2025/26 season. The partnership in including free-to-air broadcast in Germany, With higher levels of TV production guaranteed Poland includes the Men’s and Women’s EHF for the upcoming season, plus the relaunch of Austria, France, Denmark, Norway, Sweden EURO events in 2022, 2024 and 2026 as well as and Finland. EHFTV as a high-quality OTT platform, fans all away qualifying matches for Poland. around the world are able to view top-class The Women’s EHF EURO 2020 in December handball every week. In total, 17 broadcasters are showing live or reached fans in almost 60 countries, with 30 delayed DELO EHF Champions League matches New and existing TV partners from across the broadcasters plus EHFTV showing matches live in more than 25 territories in 2020/21, while and on demand. continent again committed to broadcasting the 25 broadcasters are showing EHF Champions premium competitions. League Men matches in 31 countries. Meanwhile, As qualifers for the Men’s EHF EURO 2022 DAZN were welcomed as a new partner to the EHF streaming platform EHFTV continues and the EHF EURO Cup began, all 36 nations broadcast EHF Champions League matches in to serve a worldwide audience. competing were covered by a broadcaster in their Austria, Germany, Spain and for six country, with worldwide coverage on EHFTV. seasons up until the end of the 2025/26 season

In line with the unveiling of the European In the second tender, agencies Nico Vu and Jump, Nico Vu and Ramon + Pedro were selected Handball Federation’s new brand identity, Ramon + Pedro were chosen to create the on- after competitive tenders by EHFM, Infront updated and fresh graphics were produced screen development for all EHF competitions. and DAZN to modernise the identity in order to to accompany the wealth of handball action On-screen development includes animated continue to grow the appeal of the EHF brand. on television. content such as the opening title, replay wipe and additional animated elements for broadcasters All graphics are designed in line with the The EHF and EHF Marketing commissioned and social media video content. EHF’s new design system that was created Jump, a London-based design agency, to design and launched prior to the 2020/21 season to and produce all of the on-screen graphics for the Nico Vu, a French-based motion designer, offer consistent communication of the new EHF Champions League, EHF European League, created new on-screen development for the handball umbrella brand across all European EHF EURO and EHF EURO Qualifers for both the EHF Champions League and EHF European competitions. men’s and women’s competitions. League. Ramon + Pedro, a creative studio from Lausanne, gave a new look to EHF EURO events. As part of the fve-year agreement, Jump also In addition, a versatile package was created to created a package that can be adapted for the serve a variety of EHF club and national team EHF European Cup, Beach Handball, Younger competitions, including the EHF European Cup Age Category competitions and draw events. and younger age category events.

52 WE PLAY HANDBALL WE PLAY HANDBALL 53 The EHF and EHF Marketing signed new supplier agreements with one of handball’s most recognisable sports brands, hummel, in June 2020.

As part of the new partnership, the Danish sports brand has signed two four-year contracts to become the offcial sports supplier of the EHF and EHF Marketing.

One deal encompasses men’s and women’s EHF EURO competitions – up to and including the Women’s EHF EURO 2024 – while the second covers the four top club competitions: the EHF Champions League Men, the DELO EHF Champions League and both EHF European League competitions.

Michael Wiederer, EHF President, said: “As we embark on a new era in handball it feels only right to be able to join forces with one of the sport’s most distinguished brands. HANDBALL “Like ourselves, hummel are committed to raising the profle of handball and elevating it to a new level. We are naturally thrilled to be able to link up with hummel at one of the most important moments in handball history and look forward to working together on a number of exciting projects AND HUMMEL on and off the court.” hummel will be the exclusive merchandising market leader within handball. Since hummel strengthening our association with the sport partner for clothing at EHF EUROs and for the already sponsors some of the world’s best even further at major EHF and EHF Marketing EHF Champions League and EHF European handball players and handball teams, it is natural tournaments such as the EHF EUROs and the EHF League competitions. In addition, hummel for us to enter a partnership with a strong player FINAL4 over the next four years.” will supply sports clothing and shoes for the like EHF/M. federation’s staff and offcials, including “As a Danish brand, we’re handball lovers by referees, across all competitions. Allan Vad Nielsen, CEO of hummel, said: nature, and that’s why we want to put more focus “This is another major statement for hummel in into our indoor strategy in the coming years,” hummel marketing director for sport and the world of handball. The new partnership with Lund concluded. global partnerships, Morten Lund, said: “The EHF and EHF Marketing underlines the strategic GORENJE partnership with EHF/M represents an integral importance of our indoor category and reinforces hummel and the EHF are planning a dedicated cornerstone of our indoor strategy supporting our position as a market leader. online shop, which will allow supporters to brand and business expansion internationally. purchase offcial merchandise. We want to become the leading team sport “Handball is engrained in our brand DNA supplier in Europe and reinforce our position as at hummel and we are looking forward to PARTNERSHIP SELECT FLOURISHING In late 2019, SELECT SPORT and EHF Marketing signed an extended deal for SELECT to be the EHF Champions League Men partner Gorenje team in the respective Match of the Week and life-simplifying products will save them plenty of offcial ball supplier to club handball’s elite committed to a future with European top-flight is conducted by one of the Faces of EHF energy and time in the household, which they can competitions until the end of the 2023/24 handball by signing a two-year sponsorship Champions League. spend for other activities like watching games.” season. In November 2020, the brand-new extension in September 2020. design for the offcial match balls to be used Gorenje are giving away small home appliances The extension of the partnership followed across EHF Champions League and EHF Gorenje, who are part of the Hisense Group, to players in the interview who correctly answer Gorenje’s successful sponsorship of the Men’s European League matches in 2021/22 began their sponsorship in 2017. In accordance the Gorenje #simplyfans question and have EHF EURO 2020 through its #simplyfans was unveiled. with the new deal – agreed through EHF also equipped the Faces of the EHF Champions activation. Marketing and its exclusive media and marketing League with small home appliances. In keeping with the new brand policy introduced partners Infront and DAZN – the Slovenian The activation saw the creation of the frst for EHF club competitions at the start of this company will continue to be an offcial partner The extended deal further cements Gorenje’s Gorenje mascot, a fridge called Gorini, which season, there is no differentiation in design of the EHF Champions League Men up to and interest in sports sponsorship. Not only were entertained fans on social media and live in the between balls used in the men’s and women’s including the 2021/22 season. Gorenje offcial sponsors of the Men’s EHF EURO arenas. competitions. 2018 and 2020, but they are the general sponsor The continuation of the partnership, which of Slovenian handball club Gorenje Velenje and In Graz, Vienna and Stockholm, a Gorenje In a subtle design feature, the EHF Champions profle and standards of handball throughout our “The ball is designed in the corporate colours focuses on fan engagement, ensures that the Slovenian Handball Federation. For more promotional booth gave fans the opportunity League ball has the claim Empower to Inspire club competitions. of EHF dark blue and white with elements of gold Europe’s leading home appliance manufacturer than 25 years, they have also been the general to flm an EHF EURO 2020 #simplyfans video. included. Plus, for the very frst time, the second- to highlight the exclusivity of the tournament,” will have a presence inside arenas within sponsor of the Slovenian Nordic ski team. Everyone had the option to send this video “We achieved another milestone by introducing tier competition, the EHF European League, has Knap said. Gorenje’s regional markets as well as inclusion in to their email and, by posting the video on the frst ever ball design for our second-tier its own ball. all marketing activities and communications. David Szlezak, EHF Marketing Managing Director, Instagram with a @Gorenjesimplyfans profle competition and with one unique ball for both “From the start, the creation of the ball design said: “In recent seasons Gorenje have proven tag, the spectators had a chance to win a VIP The new balls for both competitions will be genders that perfectly match the competition’s was a cooperation between some creative As part of the extended partnership, the EHF and to have a strong and successful tradition when behind-the-scenes tour or be featured on the big launched and go on sale exclusively at the brands.” minds from EHF Marketing and of course the Gorenje launched the Breakfast for Champions it comes to supporting top-class handball screen spot played during each match. EHF FINAL4 2021 in Cologne on 12-13 June product development department at SELECT. series, powered by Gorenje, for the EHF and therefore we are thrilled to have them as SELECT CEO Peter Knap said there were two and Budapest on 29-30 May as well as at the After fnalising the design sketch a wider group Champions League 2020/21 season. partners for a further two years.” Fans also had the opportunity to win a Gorenje strategies in the design of the new ball, “the frst EHF Finals. of people were asked to give their feedback. retro #simplyfans fridge or #simplyfans jerseys one being the reduction in number of teams in Normally it takes two to three months to develop Breakfast for Champions is a virtual adaptation Alenka Potočnik Anžič, Hisense Gorenje by posting an EHF EURO 2020 moment on Matthias Mayrhofer, Director Partner & Brand the CL tournament making this very exclusive and the balls, including approval of physical of the live interview with star players before each Europe Marketing Director, said: “Handball is Instagram and tagging @Gorenjesimplyfans. at EHF Marketing GmbH, said: “SELECT secondly the introduction of a new corporate ID samples. A total of up to 10 people contributed week’s Match of the Week. Each Breakfast for gaining viewers and fans daily, which we hope SPORT share our passion for raising the from EHF adding new design elements. to this process.” Champions episode features a player from each to approach and to attract. I believe Gorenje’s

54 WE PLAY HANDBALL WE PLAY HANDBALL 55 The Delo Group began its partnership with EHF Delo also hosted a visit by the EHF to Russia and Marketing as the title sponsor of the DELO EHF its group headquarters in February 2020. FINAL4 in 2019. EHF President Michael Wiederer and EHF The Delo Group then became the title sponsor Marketing Managing Director David Szlezak met of the women’s premier club competition, now with Stanislav Pozdnyakov, the President of known as the DELO EHF Champions League, the Russian Olympic Committee, Lev Voronin, DELO with the 2020/21 season the second year General Director of the Handball Federation of EHFCL PARTNER of the partnership. Russia, and Stanislav Shishkarev, President of the Handball Federation of Russia. They discussed The company is the frst-ever title partner of the development of the sport in Russia, including the women’s competition, and together with educational programmes and youth participation EHF Marketing they set high standards for in handball. implementation, marketing and reach of the GROUP premium competition. The partnership aims The discussions also covered the requirements OVERVIEW to elevate European women’s handball to for hosting future European championships. the next level. During the visit, Wiederer attended the DELO Delo and the EHF have teamed up for a number of WOMEN’S EHF Champions League Match of the different activations, among which was the DELO Week between Rostov-Don and Metz Handball NORD superfan award in the 2019/20 season. The prize, and heard about plans for a new arena in Rostov. including a signed jersey, match ball and two VIP tickets for the upcoming match was awarded at STREAM 2 each Match of the Week to an outstanding fan chosen by the home club by the Face of the EHF The partnership between Nord Stream 2 and Champions League. EHF Marketing, which began with the start of the 2018/19 season and sees Nord Stream 2 as a partner on the second highest level up to and including the 2020/21 season, has a strong focus on corporate social responsibility.

Through donation of tickets for EHF Champions League matches to youth teams and voluntary workers, Nord Stream 2 supports the important grassroots work of European handball clubs.

UNIQA A long-term, loyal partner of the EHF Champions League, UNIQA, will be part of the game until and including the 2022/23 season.

The offcial insurance supplier of the premium European competition is visible on marketing and media advertisements in 12 European countries (AUT, BIH, CRO, CZE, HUN, MKD, MNE, POL, ROU, SRB, SVK, UKR).

PLAN INTERNATIONAL EHF Marketing announced in September 2020 that humanitarian and development charity Plan International would continue to be the offcial charity partner for the EHF Champions League Men for the 2020/21 season.

To mark the International Day of the Girl Child in October 2020, clubs and players at the very highest level of European club handball came out to support Plan International’s campaign to put a stop to the harassment of girls online, through social media posts by players and teams and the offcial EHF Champions League social media channels.

Content shared by the clubs and the EHF gained nearly 450,000 impressions, while content on the EHF’s own social media channels had almost 675,000 impressions with 18,700 interactions by fans.

56 WE PLAY HANDBALL WE PLAY HANDBALL 57 GAME DEVELOPMENT INTRODUCING KINEXON TECHNOLOGY SPORT ADDING VALUE TO HANDBALL & GAME The use of player tracking technology at the Men’s EHF EURO 2020 in Sweden, Austria and SERVICES Norway has gained added value. In the project – part of the long-term cooperation In September, an internal departmental change between data technology specialists KINEXON within the European Handball Federation and the European Handball Federation that was was announced, with the business groups extended to 2024 – iBall sensors and sensors of Additional Activities and Education & in players’ jerseys tracked and registered every Development merging. move, providing real-time information on individual The groups have joined forces to create one new performances. department titled Sport & Game Services, which It was the frst time that player tracking technology encompasses grassroots – one of the seven was implemented at a major national team event in pillars of the new EHF Master Plan. handball, after the system was used at the VELUX This restructured area, which was unveiled at the EHF FINAL4 seven months earlier. Conference for Secretaries General, will remain Scientifc analysis went on to take the project under the guidance of senior directors Helmut further. The EHF Methods Commission appointed Höritsch and Doru Simion. a team consisting of EHF Competition Commission The four focus areas within the department are member Carmen Manchado from the University of players, coaches, education and development. Alicante, EHF Methods Commission member Marta Bon from the University of Ljubljana and Petra Platen from the University of Bochum to analyse the raw data gathered at the EHF EURO.

The scientifcally valid results from this analysis, frst presented by Manchado at the EHF Conference for Secretaries General in September 2020, could help the teams involved to develop With the aim of expediating transfers and new strategies, effective methods and specifc reducing the paperwork involved in the process, programmes in their training. the European Handball Federation introduced The raw data interpreted by Manchado and her an entirely new electronic transfer procedure team included the covered distances, velocities, NEW ELECTRONIC on 1 July. accelerations, changes of direction, impacts and The process of electronic transfers runs entirely jumps. Combining these elements with metabolic online through the EHFamily e-transfers platform power – a measure of the amount of energy and helps reduce the manual administration needed during physical activity – a player profle TRANSFER SYSTEM involved for all parties when a transfer is for each position will be determined. undertaken. The speed in sharing and managing The scientifc analysis includes roughly 7.15 all required information is also logged, giving million data points from all 65 matches at the the overall procedure a fast and simple method EHF EURO 2020, with specifc analysis applied to INTRODUCED for confrmation of transfers. distances covered in both offence and defence.

Another important component of the EHFamily For the future, more position-specifc analysis platform is the professional players national would enable the comparison of, for instance, database. This platform offers ease of use offence and defence, winning and losing teams, and enables national federations a complete or preliminary round and fnal matches. overview of information on all players. Furthermore, the system offers a daily, Additionally, the energy demand of handball- accurate update of all players within the specifc moves, like jumping, throwing, blocking, national database. dribbling and blocking, could be determined, which would then further enhance training The common target refers to a fair and correct optimisation. overview reflecting the continuous updated status of the professional players. A similar analysis has been undertaken by Manchado and her team using the data gathered Both the database and the e-transfer at the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in 2019, with the results system further highlight the EHF’s continued being published in the International Journal of development of technologies to enable smooth Environmental Research and Public Health. and stress-free administration in what is a hectic and fast-changing element of handball life. In the future the EHF wants to develop a device to help coaches use the real-time data during games.

60 WE PLAY HANDBALL WE PLAY HANDBALL 61 For this academic degree, applicants must already have an EHF Master Coach diploma within the EHF RINCK (Coaching) Convention, having attended either national courses certifed by the EHF or EUROPEAN HANDBALL ONLINE SUMMIT COACHES EDUCATION EHF courses. Students then need to complete and pass a fnal project, a master thesis, to acquire the In October 2020, almost 1,000 participants master’s degree. gathered virtually for the frst European Handball Online Summit, to expand their Meanwhile, in the autumn of 2020, coaches knowledge on important grassroots topics working with national teams and clubs involved in in handball. the EHF European League completed the second module of their EHF Master Coach Course. The event, which took place over three days, was The 35 students from 13 countries had completed supported by the EHF and featured a stellar line- the frst module in Vienna in January and attended up of experts in felds allied to the EHF projects. the second module remotely. Among those presenting from a list of 25 thought- The module saw experts deliver presentations provoking presentations were Dr Stefan Walzel in the felds of coaching, communication and of the German Sport University Cologne; Carlos psychology to the group over the course of six Prieto of Share & Play; EHF Beach Handball Both the EHF Master Coach Course and academic master thesis in front of an EHF and intense days. lecturer Alex Gehrer; Ole Bruun Andersen from post-graduate Master Coach course University Las Palmas academic panel at the GOALCHA; and iCoachKids project director continued in 2020, with more students German Sport University in Cologne. The third and fnal module of the course is set to Sergio Lara-Bercial. succeeding in graduating. take place on 1-7 February 2021, where topics Overall, 25 graduates from 15 different European will include grassroots and beach handball as The summit, which took place completely online, In February 2020, fve EHF Master Coaches countries have now achieved their academic well as match analysis and thesis presentation. was watched by 897 registered participants from fve different countries – Finland, Iceland, certifcation and degree, and the course is set from 58 countries. Topics included grassroots Italy, Slovenia and Netherlands – defended their to run a fourth time in 2020/21. initiatives, wheelchair handball, school handball, economic aspects of grassroots handball, children’s handball and managing a dual career. The ffth year of the European Handball Manager programme was completed by 16 successful Lively question-and-answer sessions added participants from across Europe in August, to the depth of the summit, as presentations taking the number of candidates to pass since encouraged participants to get involved and EUROPEAN HANDBALL the frst cohort in 2015/16 to 81. share their passion on the topics discussed. The successful graduates of the course run by the Participants were able to buy a subscription for EHF and the German Sport University Cologne the summit, giving them the chance to watch MANAGER completed their written and oral exams after the back over 12 hours of video material. third attendance phase was postponed from May due to Covid-19.

The sixth year of the European Handball Manager has already begun, with 14 participants from GRASSROOTS Europe, Africa and North America starting the self-study phase.

The European Handball Manager Certifcate Programme is a one-year in-service training HANDBALL programme that covers the basics of economics, management, governance, law, marketing and The EHF focused on two specifc grassroots communication. initiatives during 2020.

For more information visit: In March, in response to continent-wide https://www.dshs-koeln.de/ehm lockdowns, EHF Competence Academy & Network partners GOALCHA, the grassroots form of handball designed to encourage everyone to take up the sport, published a series of fun and family- orientated videos to help people stay healthy.

GOALCHA co-founder Ole Bruun Anderson posted a host of training and exercise clips to help inspire people at home to keep active with EUROPEAN handball. The videos formed a part of a social media challenge aimed specifcally at highlighting coaching methods.

Meanwhile, the EHF added educational WEEK OF initiative iCoachKids as an offcial partner of its competence academy and network.

The iCoachKids project helps children from all SPORT backgrounds enjoy playing sport by targeting coaches and parents with free online resources The #BeActive European Week of Sport 2020 Handball, with the aim of involving as many handball stars became national ambassadors to help them keep kids active and interested. took place on 23-30 September 2020 and the handball players, children, parents and teachers for the European Week of Sport in Croatia. The partnership with the EHF is aimed at EHF was again a key partner in the campaign as possible. broadening awareness and raising the profle of that helps tackle the inactivity crisis by Beach handball came into focus through a virtual the work undertaken by the iCoachKids team, encouraging Europeans to embrace a There was plenty of handball to be seen workout hosted by the EHF, where Portuguese which is led by Sergio Lara-Bercial, co-ordinator healthy and active lifestyle. throughout the week. Austrian national team beach handball stars Rui Rodrigues, Patrícia player Lukas Hutecek was joined by handball Resende and Vítor Pinhal led people through a of the project in the UK and lecturer at Leeds Since its launch in 2015, the week of sport has coach Monika Stefanoska to showcase handball 20-minute bodyweight-only training session. Beckett University. involved 55 million people from 42 countries, as part of the #BeActive Tryouts campaign. To mark the start of the partnership, the EHF taking part in a total of 135,700 events In addition, the week saw the Netherlands presented an iCoachKids Week and introduced across Europe. The children at HandbALL IN (Moje Pravo Handball Federation hold walking handball Na Rukomet), a handball school for children events for the elderly, and there were also the project through social media, offering videos The EHF called on national federations to host with disabilities founded by former Croatian handball-related activities in other countries, for coaches and physical education teachers who events as part of the European Open Week of international Maida Arslanagić, saw the young including Turkey, Georgia and Albania. are working with children.

62 WE PLAY HANDBALL WE PLAY HANDBALL 63 REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONS BOARDS & COMMISSIONS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (EXEC) COMPETITIONS COMMISSION (CC) The Executive Committee is mandated by the Congress In 2010, when the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull erupted to act as the overseer of the activities of the European and led to widespread air travel disruption across Europe, the Handball Federation. It is also assigned responsibilities Competitions Commission, together with the competitions that include convening working groups and committees department in Vienna, faced a tremendous uphill battle to for special matters. In the fnal phases of the current four- keep the sport on course with its planned trajectory over the year mandate, the members can celebrate one of the most course of four uncertain months. A decade later, the sombre signifcant milestones in the history of the EHF: the tender consequences of the global Covid-19 pandemic and the process to cover the areas of media and marketing, and subsequent impact it had and continues to have on the world MICHAEL WIEDERER (AUT) PREDRAG BOŠKOVIĆ (MNE) HENRIK LA COUR (DEN) BOŽIDAR DJURKOVIĆ (SRB) JAN KAMPMAN (DEN) CARMEN MANCHADO (ESP) the subsequent signing of a multi-layered agreement with President First Vice President Vice President, Finances of sport at times seemed insurmountable and acquiescence CC, Chairman Member, Men’s Competitions Member, Women’s Competitions Infront and DAZN spanning the years 2020 to 2030, which was the only option. Once again, the Competitions was successfully inaugurated on 1 July 2020. Commission and the team in the offce in Vienna merged years of experience to forge an alternative path for handball. The needs of the member federations remain at core of any action taken by the EHF and it is by gathering From the feasibility study on indoor handball, situation our representatives that the EHF can defne targeted analyses and stakeholder inputs to the various adaptations strategies. In 2020, the EHF held four very important of strategies when the pandemic delivered new obstacles, meetings: the 15th Conference of Presidents, the 13th the Competitions Commission played a pivotal role in bringing Extraordinary EHF Congress, the 12th Conference for handball back to the court after an involuntary hiatus. Parallel Secretaries General and the 1st European Handball to this, based on the recommendations of the Competitions Convention. The demands of 2020 added a layer of Commission, and with the support of the member BOŽIDAR DJURKOVIĆ (SRB) JERZY ELIASZ (POL) OLE R. JØRSTAD (NOR) DRAGAN NACHEVSKI (MKD) EMERIC PAILLASSON (FRA) THOMAS HYLLE (DEN) urgency to the already dense executive agenda and CC, Chairman MC Chairman BC Chairman stakeholders, the EHF was able to launch the European Member, Refereeing Member, Men’s Club Competitions Member, Women’s Club resulted in additional meetings and numerous circular League with the advent of the 2020/21 club handball season. Competitions decisions in the periods between meetings. The actions of the Executive Committee ensured not only that the team at the EHF offce in Vienna could traverse the TECHNICAL REFEREEING COMMITTEE (TRC) unexpected terrain but sent a clear message to the Based on the changes to the offcials’ structure, the Technical Referee Committee member federations that the EHF were stable (TRC), installed by the Executive Committee, effected a comprehensive and supportive. performance analysis of referees and delegates with preparation via virtual In the coming year, the European Handball Federation sessions and during the competition through the application of the instant replay will continue to work in close cooperation with the system. Overall, the changes were well received. The structure will be amended member federations, as well as the internal and further based on the input obtained and, in fact, was already introduced in the external partners and stakeholders. STEFAN LÖVGREN (SWE) GABRIELLA HORVATH (HUN) ANRIJS BRENCANS (LAT) preparatory activities for the Women’s EHF EURO 2020. Member Member Member

METHODS COMMISSION (MC) Continuing with other activities, the Methods Commission prolonged development projects with four national federations and initiated Israel and Russia into their frst SMART programmes. On the level of education, with the frst module of the 2020 EHF Master Coach course completed in January, the second was conducted virtually, and the third module is scheduled for February GERD BUTZECK (GER) NODJIALEM MYARO (FRA) 2021. Moreover, the frst ‘European Handball Online Member (PHB) Member (WHB) JERZY ELIASZ (POL) MARTA BON (SLO) PETER KOVACS (HUN) Summit: Focus Grassroots’ was held in October 2020; this MC Chairman Member, Methods and coaching Member, Education and Training event gave unfettered access to all of the EHF member FINANCE DELEGATION federations. Following the recommendation of the Methods The Finance Delegation, introduced by the Executive Committee, was designed to evaluate Commission, the ‘RINCK Convention Panel’ was integrated all signifcant monetary transactions by the EHF. This year, the group convened on multiple into the MC structure and the frst meeting was held. In occasions to assess the fnancial implications of the ongoing pandemic; it was the Finance 2021, the panel will focus all topics concerning licensing Delegation that gauged the economic needs of the member federations, which resulted in the as well as increasing support for signatory and non- expedited distribution of funds. signatory members. In 2020, the European Handball Federation and the Finance Delegation bade farewell to Chief In 2020, the Methods Commission (MC) placed great Finance Offcer Andrea Moser following a stellar 20-year career and, in a seamless transition, emphasis on the development of wheelchair handball. welcomed CFO Bernhard Binder as her successor. Looking at the bigger picture, all the Not only did this result in the Executive Committee decision KLAUS FELDMANN (GER) PEDRO SEQUEIRA (POR) expected fnancial activities such as budget preparation are ongoing with the approach of the that referees and delegates offciating the matches would Member, Youth School & Non- Member, Development 15th Ordinary EHF Congress in spring 2021, where a fnancial report will be presented. have their own status, but the ongoing cooperation with Competitive Sport (until 11/2019) the International Handball Federation within the IHF The Finance Delegation receives information prepared and provided by the fnance department, Wheelchair Handball Working Group saw the ratifcation headed by EHF Chief Finance Offcer. This fnancial health summary, in addition to any of all competition guidelines and other documents. Due to pertinent recommendations, is then presented to the Executive Committee on a quarterly the pandemic, and in view of attaining Paralympic status basis.federations, together with the budgets for 2021 and 2022. in the future, the inaugural IHF/EHF Wheelchair Handball Championship was postponed until 2021. TECHNICAL DELEGATION The Technical Delegation, introduced by the Executive Committee, consists of the serving Chairmen of the Competitions, Methods and Beach Handball Commissions. Supported by the responsible offce staff, they assemble prior to the quarterly individual Commission sessions in order to coordinate topics of common interest. Focal points of the 2020 activities were the various educational activities for EHF coaches, referees and delegates; the elevation of eLearning; and comprehensive analysis of match data supplied by KINEXON.

66 WE PLAY HANDBALL WE PLAY HANDBALL 67 BEACH HANDBALL COMMISSION (BC) EHF COURT OF APPEAL (COA) As the competitive events were cancelled or postponed Three cases were submitted to the Court of Appeal for due to the pandemic, the Beach Handball Commission (BC) adjudication during the 2019/20 season: international accelerated their off-court activities. A key element to release, which was partly granted, a withdrawal from moving forward with the vision of taking beach handball competition that was found in favour of the plaintiff and one from a recreational sport to a top discipline was the approval case of unsportsmanlike conduct that was rejected in its by the Executive Committee of the long-term strategic entirety. While acting as an on-site body during the Men’s plan formulated by the BC members. The efforts were also EHF EURO 2020, zero cases were elevated to the second supported by the introduction of the ‘EHF Beach Handball OLE R. JØRSTAD (NOR) MARCO TRESPIDI (ITA) IVAN SABOVIK (SVK) instance. For three consecutive years, the low number of MARKUS PLAZER (AUT) JENS BERTEL RASMUSSEN (DEN) NICOLAE VIZITIU (MDA) Forum’, where specifc topics are discussed with experts from BC Chairman Member, Events and Competitions Member, Offciating appeals handled confrms the proper functioning of the EHF President Vice President Member across Europe in the scope of a monthly online meeting. frst instance and indicates the acceptance of necessary In keeping with the aim of having highly trained offcials, sanctions for violations and infringements of the written the BC enhanced online testing and eLearning procedures regulations by the parties. with the addition of new teaching material. The reshaping of beach handball, as it edges closer to being on par with indoor handball, sees the BC working on INITIATOR OF PROCEEDINGS (IOP) comprehensive transfer and licensing procedures that will come into effect with the 2022 handball cycle. Moreover, the The Initiator of Proceedings shall be responsible for ensuring intense work on the level of the Commission has focused on a fair balance in all legal proceedings conducted within improving TV coverage and event production; this will also see JUAN CARLOS ZAPARDIEL (ESP) GEORGIOS BEBETSOS (GRE) JELENA RAKONJAC (SRB) the EHF. This shall be done specifcally by instituting legal ROBERT CZAPLICKI (POL) MAXIM GULEVICH (RUS) ROLAND SCHNEIDER (SUI) Member, Game Design Member, Development Member proceedings and/or initiating their institution. In addition, Member Member Member the extensive use of goal-line and instant-replay technology & Promotion at the 2021 EHF Beach Handball EURO in Varna, Bulgaria. the Initiator of Proceedings has the right to appeal against Additionally, beach handball was included on the preliminary decisions taken. list of sport disciplines for the 2023 edition of the European The Initiator of Proceedings (IoP) is independent from any Games in Krakow, Poland, and an agreement was signed upon EHF body or commission and treats reports with impartiality. confrmation of the Executive Committee. He ensures that reports and any other investigations remain confdential and is responsible for taking the decision EHF COMPTROLLERS (COMPT) whether or not to request the continuation of proceeding in respect of a reported fact. The Comptrollers and the Comptrollers’ Council are the MILAN PETRONIJEVIC (SRB) JANKA STASOVA (SVK) KETEVAN KOBERIDZE (GEO) custodians of the fscal probity of the European Handball Member Member Member Federation and its affliate, EHF Marketing. The elected offcials executed their duties by examining all fnancial EHF COURT OF ARBITRATION COUNCIL (ECA) records pertaining to the 2019 EHF accounts and the Of the two cases submitted to the arbitral chamber in 2020, 2019/20 EHFM business year. The work of the Comptrollers one was swiftly terminated based on the grounds of jurisdiction. and the Comptrollers Council was underpinned by the The second case centred on a contractual dispute, with an external audits conducted in 2020. In accordance with ALAIN KOUBI (FRA) ROBERT PRETTENTHALER (AUT) THOMAS LUDEWIG (GER) arbitration clause within the contract allowing the Court the EHF Statutes, the outcome of the inspections is to be Comptroller Comptroller Substitute of Arbitration (ECA) to render a quick and impartial award delivered to the Executive Committee for ratifcation prior having the same effect as a civil court judgment. to being presented before the member federations at The organisation and administration of ECA continues to be the 15th Ordinary EHF Congress in in 2021. supported by the four members of the ECA Council. However, FRANCESCO PURROMUTO (ITA) JACQUES BETTENFELD (FRA) BOGDAN SOJKIN (POL) Accordingly, the results of the 2019/20 EHFM business Vice President Bettenfeld, after having served three terms, President Vice President Vice President year were delivered to the General Assembly of EHF and Vice President Sojkin, having reached the age limit for Marketing GmbH in November 2020. The reviews of the candidature, will vacate their positions in 2021. EHF and EHFM fnancial activities were undertaken with the full cooperation of the EHF fnance department. Legal Delegation The Legal Delegation is an administrative body established EHF COURT OF HANDBALL (COH) by the Executive Committee to function as an oversight Four positions will become vacant at the end of the committee. Comprised of the Presidents of the Court of current electoral period. Following the loss of Henk Handball, Court of Appeal and Court of Arbitration Council, the group convenes to consider legal issues across the internal Lenaerts (†05.01.2020), a position of Vice President is WOUTER LAMBRECHT (BEL) open to a new candidate. Also, having reached the age legal structure. The most recent meeting, in November 2020, Vice President limit, President Antoniou will step down from his position dealt with various topics but focused on the current health after serving one term in this function. On the level of daily situation and therefore the potential adaptation of the Code of Conduct and competition regulations. business, the Court of Handball (CoH) handled 27 cases during the 2019/20 season, which ended prematurely due PANOS ANTONIOU (CYP) HENK LENAERTS (NED) † KRISTIAN JOHANSEN (FAR) to the pandemic. Judgement was rendered in matters of President Vice President Vice President EHF NATIONS’ BOARD (MEN) regulation breaches, transfer matters, unsportsmanlike Since the creation of the Nations’ Board (NB) for men’s conduct and doping infringements, among other things. handball in 2010, the members have engaged at the highest During the Men’s EHF EURO 2020, the CoH acted as an level of the sport-political spectrum within European handball. on-site body that decided 32 violations that centred The Nations’ Board is the primary stakeholder, with the six mainly around clothing and direct disqualifcation. members elected by Congress to serve the welfare and The body continues to handle cases in a profcient interest of the EHF member federations. As the organisation and expeditious way, once again proven by the small evaluated the numerous and varying options concerning the number of cases taken to the second instance. international calendar, the input of the Nations’ Board was MORTEN STIG CHRISTENSEN PHILIPPE BANA (FRA) MARK SCHOBER (GER) crucial, as any decision taken would, and eventually did, (DEN) Chairman Vice Chairman Member ELENA BORRAS ALCARAZ (ESP) IOANNIS KARANASOS (GRE) LIBENA SRAMKOVA (CZE) affect every EHF member federation. When competitions Member Member Member were eventually postponed or cancelled, it was the support of the 50 members reflected through the Nations’ Board that enabled the tough decisions to be broadly accepted. In 2020, it was necessary to change the general structure of the meetings with the stakeholder groups to include joint meetings of common interest; thus, the NB convened with the European Handball League Board (EHLB) for exchanges of information on men’s handball prior to the main sessions. MAREK GORALCZYK (POL) INGO MECKES (SUI) STEPHEN NEILSON (GBR) The next meeting of the Nations’ Board, in March 2021, will Member Member Member YVONNE LEUTHOLD (SUI) URMO SITSI (EST) VIKTOR KONOPLYASTYI (UKR) be the fnal gathering in the current form as, in accordance with Member Member Member the 2018 Congress decision, the structure of the stakeholder group will be overhauled, ushering in the National Committees. The reconstituted Nations Board will see its chairperson take a seat on the Executive Committee.

68 WE PLAY HANDBALL WE PLAY HANDBALL 69 PROFESSIONAL HANDBALL EUROPEAN HANDBALL BOARD (PHB) LEAGUE BOARD (EHLB) The Professional Handball Board is an amalgamation of The European Handball League Board (EHLB) for men’s the recognised stakeholder groups: national federations, leagues remains committed to strengthening the network clubs, leagues and players, with additional representation of leagues across the continent by working with all leagues from the EHF Executive Committee and with the presence irrespective of status (professional or non-professional) or of the President and Secretary General. Since 2019, joint type (independent or federation-operated). meetings with the members of the Women’s Handball In 2020, and compared to other stakeholders, the Board have been conducted in order to facilitate the GERD BUTZECK (GER) NIKOLAS LARSSON (SWE) MORTEN STIG CHRISTENSEN NIKOLAS LARSSON (SWE) FRANK BOHMANN (GER) STEFANO PODINI (ITA) dissemination of information valuable to both parties. Chairman, Clubs Vice Chairman, Leagues (DEN) Member, Nations endeavours of the EHLB bore the brunt of the premature Chairman Vice Chairman Member end to the 2019/2020 handball season. It was not possible Although the fate of club and national team competitions to implement the SMART project activities according to the was at the forefront of the discussions in 2020, the planned schedule; therefore, all projects are currently on Professional Handball Board also dealt with the hold and will resume at the appropriate time. Meanwhile, demanding topics of players’ agents and education the EHLB members intensifed their contact with handball compensation. As no resolution could be delivered to leagues within Europe. When activities resume in the new either matter due to the intricacy and depth of both year, the EHLB will meet for the scheduled summer and subjects, they will return to the agenda in 2021. autumn stakeholder sessions and, additionally, the EHLB Conference will take place on the fringe of the EHF FINAL4 in Cologne prior to the 2nd EHLB General Assembly.

PHILIPPE BANA (FRA) MARCUS ROMINGER (GER) MICHAEL SAHL HANSEN (DEN) PATRICE HITZ (SUI) ALF MANGOR JOHANNESSEN THIERRY WAGNER (LUX) Member, Clubs Member, Players Member, Players Member (NOR) Member Member

GREGOR PLANTEU (SLO) FRANK BOHMANN (GER) Member, Clubs Member, Leagues

WOMEN’S HANDBALL BOARD (WHB) The Women’s Handball Board (WHB) represents the EHF Marketing GmbH Boards unifcation of the currently recognised stakeholder groups, being the Executive Committee, member federations and the clubs, via the Women’s Forum Club Handball. EHFM ADVISORY BOARD: MEN’S CLUB BOARD: WOMEN’S CLUB BOARD: At this time, there is no group offcial representing women’s handball leagues or players; thus, to ensure a EHF: EHF: WFCH: balance view, additional members are nominated to the Michael Wiederer (AUT), Chairman, Michael Wiederer (AUT), Chairman, Tamas Szabo (HUN), Chairman WHB by the EHF Executive Committee. NODJIALEM MYARO (FRA) PIRJE ORASSON (EST) LEONOR MALLOZZI (POR) EHF President EHF President Through the Women’s Handball Network Workshop, the Chairperson, Leagues Vice Chairperson, Nations Member, Nations Per Geir Lovstad (NOR), Vice Chairman members of the WHB forged ahead with a strategic plan Henrik La Cour (DEN), Member, Predrag Boskovic (MNE), Member, Nicolas Roue (FRA), Member for further developing women’s handball and broadening EHF Vice President Finances EHF First Vice President education of women in handball. The event was well Henrik La Cour (DEN), Member, Gerhard Haidvogel (AUT), Member received by the National Federations in attendance, who Martin Hausleitner (AUT), Member, EHF Vice President Finances were provided information on, and contributed to the EHF Secretary General Lars Gantzel Pedersen (DEN), Member topics of, grassroots, handball at school, development Martin Hausleitner (AUT), Member, of young players and talent management. FCH: EHF Secretary General EHFM COMPTROLLERS COUNCIL: As the ongoing project ‘Respect Your Talent’ could not be Peter Leutwyler (SUI), Member, implemented for the men’s youth and junior events due MFCH Representative MFCH: EHF: to the postponements, the WHB swiftly adapted the Janos Szabo (HUN), Member, Alain Koubi (FRA), Comptroller concept to include ‘Handball at Home’ activities where DEJA IVANOVIC (SLO) GEORGETA NARCISA LECUSANU LIUDMILA BODNIEVA (RUS) Zsolt Akos Jeney (HUN), Member, Member, Clubs (ROU) Member, Leagues Member, Players Board Member FCH RYT ambassadors and RYT players were activated to WFCH Representative Robert Prettenthaler (AUT), Comptroller encourage the handball community into action at home Thorsten Storm (GER), Member, Gerd Butzeck (GER), Member, FCH: during the Europe-wide lockdown, all with the objective Deputy Board member FCH to keep motivation at a high level in a challenging time. FCH Managing Director Gerd Hofele (GER), Comptroller - MFCH Additionally, in 2021, in cooperation with EHF CAN, Bruno Martini (FRA), Member, Per Geir Løvstad (NOR), Comptroller – WFCH the WHB will resume the educational plan, which Representative FCH was rescheduled due to the pandemic. Gerd Butzeck (GER), Member, Managing Director FCH

70 WE PLAY HANDBALL WE PLAY HANDBALL 71 FROM THE HEADQUARTERS STRATEGIC EHF MEDIA BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS

From left to right: Missing from the picture: From left to right: Missing from the picture: Vesna Lazic (PA to the President), Richard Turner (Corporate Design), Martin Hausleitner (Secretary General & COO), Jelena Bagaric (Media & Projects), Alenka Cuderman (Women’s Handball Andrew Barringer Coordinator), (PR & Corporate Communications), Michael Wiederer (President & CEO), Thomas Schöneich (Director, Media JJ Rowland (Manager Business Development and Communications), and Marketing), Vladislav Brindzak (Club & National Marsha Brown (Corporate Liaison). Team Competitions),

Gerian Terry Christoph Makovec Berenice Rallier (Digital Content Luu Cornet Emma Hogeus (Digital Marketing) (Marketing & Ticketing) – until November 2020), (Social Media) (Intern) Joseph Banholzer (Social Media).

74 WE PLAY HANDBALL WE PLAY HANDBALL 75 EHF EURO EVENTS SPORT & GAME & LEGAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Standing (from left to right): Missing from the picture: Sitting (from left to right): Missing from the picture: Maike Bouwer (Event Organisation), Vincent Schweiger (Technical Development), Johannes Müller (Event Infrastructure), Nicole Rabenseifner (Development Programs Sophia Touiker (In-house Lawyer) & Special Projects), Beata Kozlowska (Education & Grassroots), Sitting (from left to right): Claudia Brantl (International Transfers), Monika Flixeder (Senior Director, Doru Simion (Senior Director Sport EHF EURO Events and Legal Management), & Game Services) Mihaly Kovacs (In-house Lawyer)

Philipp Moritz Mate Kozma Helmut Höritsch (Event Infrastructure) (Event Organisation) (Senior Director, Competence Academy & Network)

76 WE PLAY HANDBALL WE PLAY HANDBALL 77 COMPETITIONS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Standing (from left to right): Charly Music (Recurring Operation & Support), Lars Erichsen (Documentation & eLearning), Andreas Krywult (Business & Competition Processes), Christoph Gamper (Director, Information Technology), Jerry Nicolas (Online Experience & Fan Data), Peter Großschmidt (Implementation & Support)

Missing from the picture:

Jacqueline Gänsler (IT Project Management)

FINANCE & OPERATIONS Sitting (from left to right): Katharina Kogler (Bookkeeping), Andrea Moser (Chief Finance Offcer – retired, until May 2020), Natalya Bellan (Bookkeeping), Danuta Kluz (Front Offce)

Standing: Michael Hell (Facility ) Standing (from left to right): Missing from the picture:

Vladimir Rancik (Offciating Missing from the picture: – retired December 2020), Nadezhda Lacina (EHF Anti-doping Unit), Peter Sichelschmidt (Senior Director, National Team Competitions) Rima Sypkus (National Teams) Mario Kovacic (Club Competitions)

Sitting (from left to right): Ines Taekker Marcos Bestillero Thomas Gangel Joy Noppe (National Teams), (Club Competitions) (Offciating) (Venue Management) Markus Glaser (Chief Sports Offcer), Bernhard Binder Ivana Jelic (Beach Handball) (Chief Finance Offcer)

Hasija Dizdarević (Housekeeping)

Tobia Pisani Ines Rein (Beach Handball) (Competition Projects)

78 WE PLAY HANDBALL WE PLAY HANDBALL 79 EHF MARKETING GMBH COVID DOES NOT STOP THE SMILES AT THE EHF Life at the European Handball Federation in there were plenty of moments for EHF staff to place over the summer and saw two teams go 2020 might have been a bit different to previous pull together – even if that was from their new head-to-head, at a social distance, in a bid to years, as staff dealt with the challenges thrown ‘home’ offces. become crowned kings and queens of the beach. at them due to Covid-19 – but not once did the smiles diminish. The most fercely contested activity started in Whatever 2021 has got in store, you can be sure May, when the Virgin Pulse Global Challenge saw the EHF and EHF Marketing staff will be prepared As written elsewhere in this report, business seven teams from the offce begin the 100-day and waiting with smiles on their faces – ready in did not suffer as a consequence of Covid-19 competition to walk, run, swim, bike and hike or outside of the offce. and neither did the morale of the EHF and EHF as many steps as possible. After more than Marketing staff, who pulled together to ensure three months and millions of steps from the 49 2020 was still a year to remember in its own competitors, Media Spartans were declared the unique way. winners in a closely fought battle.

Although several planned team-building That competitive edge was also shown in the exercises and activities had to be cancelled, annual beach handball tournament, which took

Second row (from left to right): Missing from the picture: Nina Kernmayer (Clubs & Administration), Thomas Eitutis (Implementation), Miguel Mateo (Director, Media Operations), Georg Rieck (Director, Implementation), David Gustav Andersson (Implementation), Lisa Wiederer (Director, Events), Matthias Mayrhofer (Director, Partner & Brand), Simona Margetic (Partner & Brand)

First row (from left to right): Katharina Hacker (Partner Luca Friedel & Brand, maternity leave) (Partner & Brand) Oliver Laaber (Media Operations), Gabriele Rihtar (Partner & Brand – until February 2020), Eva Sippel (Communications & PR – until September 2020), Anna Farbowski (Events – until June 2020), Nina Laczika (Media Operations), David Szlezak (Managing Director), Nancy Johnson (Events), Nadine Zuzman (Clubs & Administration), Maximilian Riede (Events) Eleonora d’Este Julia Bremer (Events), (Communications & PR) Anna Hajgato (PA to Managing Director)

80 WE PLAY HANDBALL WE PLAY HANDBALL 81 COMING UP IN 2021 15th ORDINARY 30 YEARS OF EHF AND EHF CONGRESS AWARDING OF FUTURE EHF EURO EVENTS

At the European Handball Convention in Also included in the information was a list It was with this in mind that the awarding of the Next November, the European Handball their interest – or a joint interest – in organising spectators watch inside arenas and millions September, EHF President Michael Wiederer of statutes, with Wiederer confrming the 23 EHF EUROs in 2026 and 2028 would therefore Federation will celebrate its 30th anniversary the four tournaments. more on television and online – further outlined the timeline for the forthcoming year January deadline for registrations for positions. be named at a special event to celebrate the 30- with a very special event at the EHF highlighted the importance of hosting which included information regarding the year anniversary of the EHF in November 2021. Extraordinary Congress. EHF President Michael Wiederer said: “This is the an EHF EURO. 15th Ordinary EHF Congress. The President told the audience at the highest amount of interest we have received from convention that the Ordinary EHF Congress “The EHF EUROs are our core business and we The event will not form part of the election federations showing an intent to host our flagship That impact has seen the EHF receive no less than The congress is scheduled to take place in will see a number of important elections to the felt it was best not to create any conflicts of congress – the important part of that will take national team tournaments. eight letters of intent, covering 10 countries, for Luxembourg on 23 and 24 April 2021 and will Nations’ Committees interest and therefore chose to reveal the hosts place at the Ordinary Congress and therefore, the the Men’s EHF EURO 2028 alone. For the Men’s play a signifcant part in shaping the medium- at a special event to mark 30 years of the EHF,” focus will be on celebrating the latest milestone “These numbers once again prove that this event EHF EURO 2026, the EHF received letters of term future of the federation with elections Furthermore, particular emphasis will be placed added Wiederer. in the ever-evolving history of the EHF. remains the most highly sought-after national intent from six interested parties, including a joint taking place for a variety of commissions and on the Women’s Handball Board, with the focus team event in our sport and shows that the intention from , Lithuania and Poland. bodies within the EHF. on developing work in women’s handball. Hundreds of guests will be invited to the development of handball continues. celebration, which will see past and present After having received the offcial bids, evaluation At the European Handball Convention, the The President said: “What is important is that members of the federation pay homage to “Following similarly signifcant interest in the will take place in May and June 2021, with site President told attendees that between 55 and many people representing different felds need to European handball and look ahead to the bright bidding process for the EHF Men’s EURO 2024, inspections in June and September before the 60 positions will be up for election. Relevant understand a group of 50 nations and their needs and exciting future of the sport. that will be hosted in Germany, and the EHF big reveal at the Extraordinary Congress. information regarding what the process will and wishes. It is not for an individual nation to Women’s EURO 2024, which will be played in involve, who will manage it and how it will clearly defne what is important. We need to work The event will also be the platform to announce Hungary, Austria and Switzerland, we are now be managed was sent out in October, six together.” four particularly important decisions: who will excited to look ahead towards the following stage months before the Ordinary EHF Congress. host the Men’s and Women’s EHF EURO events in the process for 2026 and 2028.” Wiederer emphasised the importance of an event in 2026 and 2028. The commitment to hosting The information included current position such as the EHF Congress – as it always has been The success of the Men’s EHF EURO 2020 holders and those in the running to be elected. these EHF EURO events has reached new since the EHF began in the 1990s. heights, with 14 national federations expressing in January – which saw a record 500,000

84 WE PLAY HANDBALL WE PLAY HANDBALL 85 LOOKOUT TO 2021

At the heart of European handball here at federations, ergo the club and national teams To this end, the organisation will be in the the headquarters in Vienna, 2020 has been entwined in the EHF competition system. position to provide the handball community with most remarkable; the professionals faced Support was realised through fnancial and the necessary tools to develop at all levels. We their most challenging year yet! For this, I material means, a hygiene concept was created stand resolute in our mission to make handball open this report by extending my enormous and rolled out, and the Back to Handball platform the most attractive indoor team sport in Europe! gratitude to mora than 70-person strong team was an invaluable source of information. across our two organisations of the European Moving into 2021, I thank you for standing with Handball Federation and EHF Marketing. Each Simultaneously, the offce forged ahead with handball, I thank you for standing with this department and business unit, from Operations its long-term strategy, which began with a close organisation that has been passionate about this to Implementation, was put to the test as they cooperation with the EHF member federations sport for 30 years. We have no way of knowing strived to keep handball moving forward. followed by the adaptation of the manifesto – what the next 12 months will bring – it may the EHF Master Plan – that targets all important not be possible to guarantee all matches and Throughout the spring and summer of 2020, the aspects of the sport from grassroots to highlight events – but know that here in Vienna global health crisis halted handball and, with handball4life. The output was bolstered by the we continue to prepare all future activities as we great dismay, the decision was taken to end highly anticipated start of the cooperation with work relentlessly for every national federation, the 2019/20 club handball season prematurely Infront and DAZN on 1 July. for every national and club team, for every and postpone all other national team events; offcial, partner, stakeholder and, above all, regrettably, some tournaments were eventually Another key focus in 2020 was the development for the betterment of handball. cancelled. Nonetheless, during the rapidly of the EHF digital landscape: July saw the changing situation, the team at the offces in effective launch of the new Home of Handball Yours in sport, website. With an encompassing social media Vienna remained steadfast as they focused on Martin Hausleitner bringing handball back to the court. approach, we have been able to consistently transmit game highlights across our various EHF Secretary General The EHF galvanised its resources and poured digital platforms. all its energies into supporting our member

86 WE PLAY HANDBALL EHF BUSINESS REPORT 2020

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