DHB President Andreas Michelmann sees an urgent need for action in the discussion about the bloated handball calendar. “Handball as a whole must noticeably get on with the program, otherwise there is a danger that our sport will eat itself up,” said the head of the German Handball Association (DHB) in an interview with the trade magazine “Handball-Woche” shortly before the start of the Bundesliga season on Thursday.
The predominantly quantitative growth in the existing competitions leads to destructive wear and tear, the 64-year-old continued. “We need fundamental changes, and to do this we may have to move away from existing structures,” said the official and suggested: “So why shouldn’t we think in a European context for club handball and develop a cross-border league system that, for example, dissolves the competition between the Champions League and the Bundesliga?”
Reduction of the Bundesliga is the “toughest nut to crack”
Michelmann also thinks that a reduction in the Bundesliga from the current 18 teams is conceivable. This would certainly be the “biggest hurdle,” he said. “In Germany, the strength of our league is both a blessing and a curse,” explained Michelmann. “On the one hand, we are pleased about the enormous strength and density of the competition and therefore about a large number of high-class and exciting games, including their marketing.”
On the other hand, one must acknowledge that “with the exception of France and Denmark, there are no comparably strong leagues in Europe and the strong clubs of other nations are simply dependent on the Champions League as a big stage.”
No quick changes due to long-term contracts
He still has hope if all parties take a step back from their positions. “In any case, we have to be patient,” said Michelmann. “Because, due to long-term contracts, the calendar is already set until the 2030s.”
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