VELUX EHF Champions League looks to 2015/16 season

Whilst this season’s VELUX EHF Champions League Last 16 teams were learning their fate at the draw event in Vienna on Tuesday, 24 February, there was also time set aside to look forward, and specifically to the next season when the competition will be expanded to 28 teams and a new playing format introduced.

During a positive workshop with club representatives, the new playing system was presented by Markus Glaser, Senior Manager responsible for EHF club competitions, as were the criteria for the awarding of additional places and distribution of teams.

The EHF Secretary General, Michael Wiederer, presented an overview of the finances for the next season, which will see a new distribution system, and an increase of 30% in revenues distributed to participating clubs based on the new playing system. There will be a flat rate for competing in the Group Phase and additional payments for each stage in the competition a team reaches.

The financial rewards for reaching the VELUX EHF FINAL4 will increase to one million Euro, with the eventual winners taking home €500,000.

Managing Director of EHF Marketing GmbH, Peter Vargo, then also presented the finances on the level of EHF Marketing relating to the Men's EHF Chamapions League competition.

The final financial distribution will be presented to the EHF Executive for its approval at its next meeting on 26 March 2015 in Valencia, Spain.

Commenting on the introduction of the new playing system, Jean Brihault, said: “The Champions League is a living product and it is necessary to change and adapt over time. This is a further positive step forward – and ultimately will mean a more attractive product for TV and sponsors.

“The clubs taking part in the competition are of course crucial to the success of these changes and I would like to thank them for their continued support. I am sure that next year’s new-look VELUX EHF Champions League will offer an exciting new challenge for clubs, players and fans alike.”