Jan Boye passes away

The European Handball Federation has received the sad news of the death of Jan Boye, the President of the Danish Handball Federation, and a former top-level international referee.

Boye passed away on Saturday 22 October after suffering a brain hemorrhage earlier in the month. He was 49 years of age.

During his long and distinguished refereeing career he officiated in numerous club matches in European Cup and EHF Champions League competitions, as well as at men’s and women’s EHF European Championships and World Championships. He and his colleague, Bjarne Munk Jensen, also refereed at two Olympic Games.

Boye was elected President of the Danish Handball Federation in June 2011, a role he planned to combine with his busy professional career as a successful politician in Denmark.

Initial meetings between the new president and members of the EHF Executive had already place during the Beach Handball European Championships in Umag, Croatia in July 2011.

Tor Lian, EHF President, said: “I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Jan’s death over the weekend. He has been a part of the EHF for many years, and I know he had great enthusiasm and ambitious plans for his new role in Danish handball. His death will be a huge loss to his many friends throughout the handball family”.

The European Handball Federation would like to convey its deepest condolences to Jan Boye’s family, friends and the Danish handball community at this very difficult time.