Handball: Reduction of the starting grid: Lions criticise EHF decision

Jennifer Kettemann, Managing Director of Rhein-Neckar Löwen, criticized the reduction in the number of places available for the German Champions League, saying,”I regret this decision because the German Champions League participants have not only proved to be sporting flagships for the entire competition, but have also proved to be crowd-pullers over the years. The Champions League robs itself of one of its draught horses,”Kettenmann told the Mannheimer Morgen.

At the weekend, the European Handball Federation (EHF) had decided, after months of date disputes with the HBL, that only two German clubs will be allowed to compete in the top division next season. In the past, the Bundesliga still had a third place on the starting grid with a wildcard.

This decision will not solve the scheduling problems of the remaining two German participants, so I would have liked to see another decision and would welcome it if all those involved looked for a solution together instead of persevering with their positions,”said the Löwen-Frontfrau.