For years, whispers circulated within international handball circles about irregularities in the voting processes of the International Handball Federation (IHF). Allegations of inactive federations casting ballots, of political maneuvering overshadowing sporting merit, and of a system designed to protect the long-standing presidency of Hassan Moustafa were commonplace among those familiar with the sport’s governance. Now, Per Bertelsen, a former top IHF official, is publicly confirming what many have long suspected: that votes within the organization have been built on a foundation of fiction, with nations claiming participation in the sport despite having no active handball programs.
Bertelsen’s claims, made in a recent interview with GoHandball on March 4, 2026, represent a significant escalation in the criticism leveled against the IHF and its leadership. He served as President of the Danish Handball Federation and held senior roles within the European Handball Federation, including Chairman of the IHF’s Commission of Organising and Competition. His intimate knowledge of the IHF’s inner workings lends considerable weight to his accusations. The core of his argument centers on the existence of member nations that, according to Bertelsen, have “no handball at all,” yet continue to participate in IHF elections, effectively skewing the results and solidifying Moustafa’s control.
A System of Loyalty and Silence
Bertelsen’s critique extends beyond simply pointing out the presence of inactive federations. He alleges a systemic issue within the IHF, one that rewards loyalty and actively silences dissent. He describes a structure where challengers to the existing leadership are “blocked,” and federations unwilling to toe the line are marginalized. This environment, he contends, has stifled genuine democratic processes within the organization. The IHF has previously rejected criticism of its governance, maintaining that its structures are democratic and in accordance with its statutes.
The controversy surrounding the recent IHF presidential election brought these issues to the forefront. GoHandball reported extensively on the election in December 2025 and January 2026, highlighting concerns about the fairness of the process. Bertelsen, who was removed from the IHF after a falling out with Moustafa, spoke to Danish newspaper Ekstrabladet in January, laying the groundwork for his more detailed accusations. He claims that several presidential challengers were prevented from effectively presenting their campaigns to the congress before the vote.
The 2028 European Championship Bidding Process
While Bertelsen’s comments focus on the IHF’s internal politics, the broader landscape of international handball governance is also undergoing shifts. The bidding process for the 2028 European Men’s Handball Championship recently concluded, with Spain, Portugal, and Switzerland selected as the hosts. According to Wikipedia, the bidding timeline began in June 2020 with an invitation to national federations to express interest, culminating in the allocation at the EHF Congress in November 2021. Switzerland initially submitted a solo bid but later merged with the joint bid from Spain and Portugal. This process highlights the competitive nature of securing major international sporting events and the collaborative efforts often required between nations.
Impact and Implications
Bertelsen’s allegations have the potential to trigger significant repercussions for the IHF. Calls for greater transparency and accountability within the organization are likely to intensify. The credibility of future elections will be under scrutiny, and pressure may mount for independent oversight of the voting process. The long-term impact on the sport’s reputation remains to be seen, but the revelations raise serious questions about the integrity of international handball governance.
The situation also underscores the broader challenges facing international sports federations. Concerns about corruption, lack of transparency, and undue influence have plagued numerous organizations in recent years. Bertelsen’s willingness to speak out, despite the potential consequences, could encourage others to come forward with similar concerns, potentially leading to much-needed reforms.
The claims that “there is no handball in those countries” – a phrase Bertelsen used to describe the situation – are particularly damaging. They suggest that the IHF has been artificially inflating its membership numbers and granting voting rights to entities with no genuine stake in the sport. This practice, if proven, would undermine the principles of fair representation and democratic governance.
The future of the IHF and its leadership now hangs in the balance. Bertelsen’s accusations have opened a Pandora’s Box of questions, and the organization will be forced to address them if it hopes to restore its credibility and maintain the trust of the handball community. The next step will be to see how the IHF responds to these allegations and whether it is willing to implement meaningful reforms.
As the handball world digests these revelations, the focus will undoubtedly shift to the upcoming IHF Congress and any potential challenges to the current leadership. The integrity of the sport, and the future of its governance, are at stake.
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