Vienna (dpa) – The European Handball Federation EHF joins other international sports associations and has suspended Russia and Belarus for the time being because of the attack on Ukraine.
According to the decision of the EHF Executive Committee, neither the national teams nor clubs from the two countries are allowed to participate in European competitions. With this step, the EHF follows a recommendation of the International Olympic Committee.
For example, Meshkow Brest from Belarus is affected in the men’s Champions League. Rostov-Don and CSKA Moscow play in the premier class for women.
Handball events in Russia reassigned
According to the EHF, referees and officials from Russia and its ally Belarus will also no longer be nominated for matches until further notice. Events planned in Russia will be reassigned.
“These measures had to be taken with immediate effect as the war in Ukraine continues to rage and endangers the EHF’s principles of cooperation at European level and the spirit of fairness,” it said in a statement. The EHF regrets the consequences for individuals, clubs and national teams and hopes that the return of peace will allow for new reflections.