Why the German handball players are not withdrawing from the EM
Status: 1:17 p.m
The German team is the most affected with twelve players who have tested positive for the corona virus
Which: REUTERS
The numerous corona cases are still the dominant topic for the German national handball team. Even a withdrawal from the EM in Slovakia and Hungary was in the room. This would have had enormous consequences – also for the home EM 2024.
EWithdrawing from the European Championship would have had significant consequences for the German Handball Federation (DHB) despite numerous corona cases in the national team. “According to our legal system, leaving the tournament would have meant a ban for the nation, i.e. no participation in a World Cup qualification and difficult circumstances with regard to the EM 2024,” said the Secretary General of the European Federation EHF, Martin Hausleitner, on Friday.
Due to twelve corona cases in the national team, the DHB had discussed withdrawing from the tournament in Slovakia and Hungary with the EHF two days ago. Among other things, this could have led to Germany even being banned for the EM 2024 in its own country.
EHF General Secretary Martin Hausleitner wants to continue the tournament in Slovakia and Hungary
Source: pa/Horst Galuschka/dpa
“There would also have been economic consequences, which we would have been obliged to demand,” said Hausleitner. If German EM games had been cancelled, it could have been extremely expensive for the DHB, since the EHF is tied to contracts with sponsors and TV stations. In addition, a fine would have been paid to the DHB.
Cancellation of the tournament is not an issue
Despite the increasing number of corona cases, canceling the tournament is not an issue. “We are planning to carry the tournament through to the end,” explained Hausleitner. In view of the dynamic development, however, the Austrian cannot give any guarantees. “We look from day to day and don’t know what challenges we will face tomorrow.” The Omicron variant “completely changed” the situation at the tournament.
The German team has been hit hardest so far. Croatia, who came second at the European Championships, was hit just as badly, with a total of nine positive cases up to Thursday. Numerous other teams are also affected. The Norwegian selection, on the other hand, has been spared so far. The Scandinavians are the next opponents of the DHB team on Friday evening (8.30 p.m.), who clearly lost to Spain at the start of the main round at 23:29.
