Several top clubs hit by bankruptcy: President demands action

The handball world was dealt a new financial blow on Monday when German side Ludwigsburg announced that the club does not have the funds to complete the coming season, so the players have been released and the training camp cancelled. 

Danish handball player Anne With Johansen joined the club last summer, and she describes the situation as “extremely tough” and “so surreal that it is difficult to grasp”.

The decision comes in the wake of other significant club collapses, where both Norwegian Vipers and French Nantes have gone bankrupt, while Montenegrin Budocnost has scaled back. 

Several key players are now without a contract just weeks before the season starts. 

For Norwegian international Guro Nestaker it all feels “sad and stressful” as she tries to find a new club.

The handball elite now demands that the problem be addressed.

Desire for action at European level

The president of the Norwegian Handball Federation and candidate for the EHF’s board Randi Gustad wants a debate on the funding model in European club handball.

She believes the development is worrying and emphasises that it cannot be solved nationally. She sees the need for a broader discussion about the framework under which the top clubs operate. 

– I believe it must become a debate at European level, she tells TV2 Norway, highlighting curiosity about which structures can create more stability.

Norwegian national team coach Ole Gustav Gjekstad also calls the situation serious, even though he points out that the sports world generally fluctuates:

– We know that there is a risk at the top level, both financially and organisationally. But this makes an impression. 

Champions League spot goes to Norwegian club

Ludwigsburg’s Champions League spot has been taken over by Norwegian club Sola HK. 

The Norwegian team had initially had their application rejected, but the situation changed the conditions.

While Sola now looks forward to the group stage, others are trying to pick up the pieces.

Ludwigsburg’s dissolution came without warning, and the players are still marked by the shock. 

For Anne With Johansen the next step is uncertain: 

– I have been incredibly happy to be here, and now I suddenly have to find something new. It is hard to comprehend.