Challenge Cup title to be decided in Sweden

Due to the flooding situation in Serbia and especially in the Sabac area, the first leg of the Men’s Challenge Cup between RK Metaloplastika Sabac (SRB) and IK Sävehof (SWE) was cancelled last Saturday.

After a further evaluation of the situation since Saturday, it became clear that rescheduling this match in Serbia is not possible.

Following extensive communication between all parties concerned, including the Serbian Handball Federation, it has been decided that the first leg of the 2013/14 Men’s Challenge Cup Final between Sabac and Sävehof is cancelled and will not be played.

The secondnd leg of the tie on Sunday, 25 May 2014 at 17.30 hrs. in Partillebohallen is therefore declared as a single match final and will decide the overall winner of the 2013/14 Men’s Challenge Cup. If there is a draw after 60 minutes of play in this game, there will be a period of extra-time and if necessary a second period and penalty throws.

"It goes without saying that the EHF regrets to have a situation like this in a European Cup Final, however, there are moments during a handball season where the developments of reality force all handball parties to adapt to the situation. In this particular moment of the flooding in Serbia, both clubs concerned, together with a strong support of the Handball Federation of Serbia, showed a cooperative and positive approach to this issue in a very sad and difficult framework," EHF Competitions Senior Manager Markus Glaser said.

"However, we are sure that the game in Partille on Sunday will not only offer a fair and interesting handball match, but an occasion where our sport will prove a positive spirit in difficult moments and send out a strong signal to all handball fans in Europe," Glaser added.