The German Handball Association (DHB) always has the corona pandemic in mind when planning for the home European championship for men in 2024.
“Corona remains a concern for us,” said DHB CEO Mark Schober to “Mannheimer Morgen”. The financing of the EM budget, which according to Schober is around 24 million euros, is heavily dependent on ticket sales: “We need full arenas. Only then can we cover the costs.” The hall utilization must be 60 to 70 percent across all locations in order to manage without losses.
If the continental title fights, which will be played in six German cities from January 10th to 28th, 2024, are concluded with a financial plus, the money would flow primarily into women’s and girls’ handball. Despite the great potential, Schober sees a need to catch up there: “The French and the Scandinavians have done better so far.”
The pandemic has also thwarted plans for a “House of Handball” based on the French model. A central sporting home for all national teams including a new office is off the table. “Corona has changed the world of work. For example, it would make little sense to invest in a new branch and thus office space,” said the DHB CEO. Instead, the handball infrastructure should be promoted nationwide.