Lemgo's goalkeeper banned

German CL participant TBV Lemgo have to find an interim solution for the goalkeeper position for the CL qualification tournament that will take place at the beginning of September in Leon.

The Anti-doping commission of the German Handball Federation suspended the Czech goalkeeper Martin Galia for six months; the punishment will end on 30 September.

Galia was found guilty of using the forbidden Octopamine in March after he had been tested in the Bundesliga. Octopamine was found in his Czech dietary supplements. In addition, Galia has to pay a fine of €20,000.

Sports director Daniel Stephan talks about the current situation of the team: “We had some talks and we want a fast decision. We want to sign a keeper only until 30 September.”

Galia is banned from visiting the training sessions as well. On the first weekend of September, Lemgo will play the “Wild Card Tounament” in Leon. The winner will qualify for the CL group phase. Lemgo will play against Leon, Schaffhausen and Celje.

“It’ll be hard to win the tournament without Galia,” manager Volker Zerbe said.