Arbitration Tribunal decision on the Siscia case

The EHF Arbitration Tribunal made its decision on the appeal lodged by RK Siscia (CRO) against the EHF administrative decision dating back to 17 November 2009.

The team of RK Siscia did not travel to a European Cup game in Zaporozhye, Ukraine, on November 14, 2009 (Men’s Challenge Cup Round 3, 1st leg). RK Siscia informed the EHF that the team will not travel to Zaporozhye as five of their players presented flu symptoms only after their planned arrival time.

At the first instance, the Croatian club was suspended for two seasons from international club competitions and was fined €10,000 for late withdrawal from the 2009/10 Men’s Challenge Cup.

The EHF Arbitration Tribunal found that RK Siscia withdrew from the EHF competition as the club did not inform the EHF about the health problem of their players in due time and did not take part at an official EHF match without prior EHF agreement.

The EHF Arbitration Tribunal considered, however, that in light of the subsequent consequences on the competition, a partial suspension of the first instance decision – together with a monetary fine – would be proportionate to the breach of regulations committed by RK Siscia.

The EHF Arbitration Tribunal, therefore, partially revised the 1st instance decision:

RK Siscia is fined €10,000 and will be excluded from EHF club competitions for two seasons. The exclusion in the second season (2011/2012) will be suspended with a probation period of three years.

All non-refundable costs of the local organise will be refunded by RK Siscia.