Update on arbitration cases

Three arbitration decisions have been appealed at a higher level of arbitration.

Frank Loke transfer rights

The EHF Arbitration Tribunal has dealt with the case of a Norwegian player, Frank Loke, in September 2009. Proceedings were initiated with regards to the player signing two contracts for the same period of time – with Croatian HC CO-Zagreb and Danish Skjern Handball A/S – and both clubs claiming the validity of their respective agreements.

The EHF Arbitration Tribunal found that Frank Loke violated the IHF Regulations for Transfers and suspended the player from all international club competitions for a period of nine months. Loke was also fined €10,000.

Concerning the transfer rights of the player, the EHF Arbitration Tribunal has confirmed the validity of the transfer of Frank Loke to Croatia.

Following the decision, Frank Loke filed a claim to the EHF Court of Arbitration with regards to the punishments imposed by the EHF Arbitration Tribunal.

Independently from the player, the Danish Handball Association has also filed a claim to the EHF Court of Arbitration with regards to the transfer rights of Frank Loke.

The ECA has formed two independent panels and the procedures are still ongoing in both cases.

Appeal from Hypo Niederösterreich and Gunnar Prokop

The EHF Arbitration Tribunal dealt with the case of Hypo Niederösterreich’s team official, Gunnar Prokop, who committed an act of serious unsportsmanlike conduct on 29 October 2009 at an EHF Champions League game between Hypo Noe and Metz Handball.

The EHF Arbitration Tribunal made its decision to give a €45,000 fine for the coach of Hypo Noe, Gunnar Prokop, who was also excluded from all international handball competitions and from any EHF activities for a period of three years. Furthermore, he was banned from taking any EHF function for life.

The club Hypo Niederösterreich was fined €30,000 and the point gained by the club at the game in question was deducted.

Following the decision, the parties involved – Gunnar Prokop and the club Hypo Niederösterreich – have filed a claim at the EHF Court of Arbitration. The ECA procedure is ongoing.

Appeal of RK Siscia

The EHF Body of First Instance has dealt with the case of the Croatian team RK Siscia after the Men’s Challenge Cup Round 3 game between HC ”Motor ZNTU-ZAS”/ UKR and RK Siscia/ CRO scheduled for 14 November 2009 was cancelled.

RK Siscia took the decision not to travel to the aforementioned game without any prior information to the EHF.

The EHF Body of First Instance made the decision to fine RK Siscia €10,000 and suspend the club from taking part in the European Cup competitions for the next two seasons.

RK Siscia filed an appeal in the case at the EHF Arbitration Tribunal which will now deal with the case.

Arbitration information

In line with the principles of an open and transparent arbitration system established for cases related to European Handball, the public will be informed on the decisions of the arbitration panels.