Maris Versakovs

Latvian player Maris Versakovs was called up by the Latvian Handball Federation to participate in national team activities from October 30, 2011 to November 6, 2011.  The player informed his Federation that he would not take part in those activities. However during the requested period of release the player played for his club S.V Beckdorf (German 3. Liga Männer Nord).

The EHF Court of Handball panel considered this to be an infringement of the IHF Player Eligibility Code.They therefore decided to sanction the player and the club. The final decision of the EHF Court of Handball is as follows:

"The player is suspended from participation in his club matches at national and international level for six months as from the date of the present decision for violation of the IHF regulations provisions regarding release of players to national teams.

The German club S.V. Beckdorf shall pay a fine of €5,000 for failure to release the player Maris Versakovs to his national team according to the IHF regulations provisions regarding release of players to national teams."

The sanctions are based on the relevant provisions of the IHF Player Eligibility Code (articles 7.4.3 and 7.4.4) and of the EHF Legal Regulations.

The decision is not legally binding yet. The player and club have filed an appeal against the decision which they were entitled to do up until 16 December 2011. The EHF Court of Appeal is currently examining the case.

The outcome of the appeal proceedings will be published once the final decision communicated to the parties.