Court of Appeal reduces fine for Energa AZS Koszalin

The club Energa AZS Koszalin appealed the Court of Handball’s decision rendered on 28 June 2019 following the failure of the Polish club to release two international players to the Ukrainian National Team to participate in the Women’s World Championship Qualification.

The Court of Appeal has decided to fully support the following statement of the Court of Handball according to which the obligation to release players to National Team activities is “a sine qua non of the existence of national team competitions; it also aims to ensure the harmony of international competitions and the constant professionalisation of our sport in Europe and in the world. Consequently, the obligation deriving from the aforementioned rule is essential and shall be strictly enforced by clubs.”

However, as one of the two requests from the Ukrainian handball federation was sent too late to the Polish club, the Court of Appeal found that the latter’s behavior should not be considered as an aggravating circumstance.

Consequently, the fine was reduced. A fine of €3.500 is thus imposed on the club instead of €4.500

A recourse to the EHF Court of Arbitration may be filed within 21 days.