EHF Champions League: 14+ Countries Confirmed | Handball News

EHF Champions League & European League Reforms Aim for Expansion and Enhanced competition

The european Handball Federation (EHF) has unveiled significant changes to the structure of its premier club competitions, the EHF champions League and EHF European League, designed to broaden participation and elevate the overall quality of play. These decisions, reached by the EXEC EHF, follow months of extensive consultation with key stakeholders across European handball.

The reforms represent a concerted effort to modernize the competitions and increase their reach, according to a statement released by the EHF. A senior official stated that the process was “the result of an in-depth discussion process over several months, involving key stakeholders…Everyone was involved and everyone had the opportunity to contribute.”

Did you know?-Handball originated in Northern Europe in the late 19th century, evolving from team handball played outdoors. It gained Olympic recognition for men in 1936 and for women in 1976.

Expanding the European Handball Landscape

A central tenet of the reforms is the desire to include more teams in both competitions. The EHF Champions League will maintain its position as the elite competition, continuing with 24 teams and aiming to attract participants from at least 14 diffrent countries. This expansion is intended to broaden the competition’s appeal and tap into new markets.

The EHF European League will see a more substantial increase in participation,growing to 32 teams. A key feature of this league will be a streamlined format, beginning directly with the group phase – eliminating qualification matches and providing greater planning security for participating clubs.

Pro tip:-When analyzing handball competition structures, focus on the balance between rewarding historical success and providing opportunities for emerging teams.

Maintaining Match Volume and Player Welfare

Despite the increased number of teams, the total number of matches in the EHF Champions League will remain consistent at 132. However, the schedule will be adjusted to include one fewer round in the spring, a move intended to alleviate the workload on players during a critical period for domestic leagues. “Thus, we are reducing players’ load in a crucial time for many leagues,” the official explained.

Strengthening the Link Between Competitions

The EHF is also implementing a system to more closely link the Champions League and European League. Specifically, teams relegated from the Champions League will have a pathway to continue their European journey in the European League, either through play-offs or direct entry into the Last 16. “eventually 14 teams which are relegated from the EHF Champions League will join the EHF European League either in the play-offs or for the Last 16,” the official confirmed. This interconnectedness is designed to foster greater competitiveness across both tiers of European club handball.

Reader question:-do you think increased competition will led to more unpredictable results in both leagues? Share your thoughts!

Exploring International Expansion

Perhaps the most novel aspect of the reforms is the consideration of including clubs from outside of Europe. This possibility, though, is being approached with caution. According to the official,such a move would require “very careful considerations including the obligation of coordination with othre continental federations,the respective federations of potential clubs and all steps taken in harmony with the International Handball Federation.”

Any potential inclusion would be limited to clubs of the highest level, with geographical proximity also being a factor. The EHF is also considering establishing quality standards and a licensing system to ensure the continued strength of its top competitions. A chart detailing the geographical distribution of participating clubs in both leagues would be a valuable addition here.

these reforms signal a proactive approach