114th EHF Executive meeting held in Budapest

The EHF Executive Committee held its latest meeting in the Hungarian capital on 8/9 Match 2013 following an invitation from the Hungarian Handball Federation (HHF).

With Hungary hosting the next Women's EHF European Championships, together with neighbours, Croatia, the federations took the opportunity to continue their preparations for the event, which will be played from 7 to 21 December 2014.

During a press conference at the conclusion of the EHF Executive meeting, a joint 'declaration of intent' between the EHF and HHF was signed relating to the proposed Hungarian venues for the event - Budapest, Debrecen, Györ and reserve venue, Veszprém.

Present at the event were the EHF President, Jean Brihault; EHF Secretary General, Michael Wiederer; HHF President, Iván Vetési; Hungarian Minister of State for Sport, Dr. István Simicskó as well as Vice President of the Croatian Handball Federation, Boris Mesaric.

EHF representatives reported to the Hungarian media on the deliberations of the EHF Executive Committee: a wide range of issues from the extremely positive TV figures from the Men's and Women's EHF EURO events in 2012 to regulations for the coming season.

Proposals for the future of the EHF Champions League competitions, following meetings of the club boards and a club workshop, were also high on the agenda.

The EHF Secretary General, Michael Wiederer, announced that there was a possibility that a 'final-four' style final-weekend could be introduced into the Women's EHF Champions League as early as the 2013/14 season.

Looking ahead to EHF EURO 2014

Commenting on the EHF visit to Budapest, EHF President, Jean Brihault, said: “It is fitting that we have our meeting in Hungary, just under two years ahead of the start of the Women’s EHF EURO 2014 and we are looking forward to a successful event.  

"Hungarian handball has always been amongst the strongest in Europe, and the country has a long tradition of success with both its national and clubs sides in Europe’s top competitions.

"Both host nations, Hungary and Croatia, have a long handball history and great experience of organising EHF top event, with the Men’s EHF EURO in Croatia in 2000 and the Women’s EHF EURO in Hungary in 2004.”

Talking about the organisation of the Women’s EHF EURO 2014 event, Iván Vetési, HHF President, said: “The Hungarian Handball Federation is very proud to have won the right to co-host such a prestigious sports event as the EHF EURO with Croatia. Hungary is committed to contributing and strengthening the popularity of women’s handball and to present a high standard and entertaining championship.”

“Our main target is to attract as many supporters to the venues as possible and enable the highest possible recognition for the event. Co-hosting the EHF EURO 2014 is an important milestone for the Hungarian Handball Federation that celebrates its 80th anniversary this year.”

Photographs: (top left) HHF President, Iván Vetési and EHF President, Jean Brihault shake hands; (top right) Signing of the 'declaration of intent' by - from left - HHF President, Iván Vetési, EHF President, Jean Brihault and EHF Secretary General, Michael Wiederer. Credit: Anikó Kovács