The European Handball Federation has received the sad news of the passing away of Hans Thomas, who died on Saturday 05 March 2011 at the age of 60.

The German former top referee had been an EHF Referee from the founding of the European Handball Federation, season 1993/94 to the end of his international refereeing career in season 1995/96.

In his last season Hans Thomas, who together with his brother Jürgen formed the well-respected referee couple Thomas/Thomas, also officiated the final of the EHF Women’s Champions League in Koprivnica between Podravka Koprivnica (CRO) and Hypo Niederösterreich (AUT).

Since 2008 Hans Thomas had been a delegate for the European Handball Federation. In December 2010 the EHF Executive Committee nominated him for the Technical Refereeing Committee (TRC).

Sándor Andorka, member of the EHF Competitions Commission and chairman of the TRC, mirrors the thoughts of many at this sad time: "The handball world is mourning the death of Hans. He has left his mark on international handball and his lifetime work and dedication will not be forgotten. Not only was he a great referee but also a fantastic referee teacher, who worked very well with young referees. On behalf of the European Handball Federation I would like to send my sincere condolences to his family, friends and the German Handball Federation, which has lost a true handball refereeing expert."

The EHF wishes to express its most sincere condolences to the family of Hans Thomas.