Official contract for EHF Cup Finals signed

Less than 90 days to go to the EHF Cup Finals the official contract between local organisers and the EHF has been signed.

On the fringes of the first home match of the hosting club in the EHF Cup Group Phase the EHF President Jean Brihault and the president of HBC Nantes Gael Pelletier inked the document setting up a stage for the inaugural edition of the prestigious handball event which will take place 18/19 May in the “City of Dukes”.

On the same day, the ticket sale for the EHF Cup Finals has been launched too.

“It's a real pleasure for the EHF to come to France and to Nantes in particular for the first edition of this competition in this format. And I think that merging two previous competitions are already giving results, since we've gained quality and intensity.

"And as consequence, the higher interest of spectators as well,” EHF President said after the signing of the contract.

“I'm personally very happy that our host is Nantes. I'm really convinced that Gael Pelletier and his team will do everything for the event to be a success and a real fun event as well as securing their team's presence at the Finals.

"But this is another story that will unfold on the court,” Brihault added after witnessing the 31:24 victory of the French club over Besiktas Istanbul.

HBC Nantes have to qualify for the EHF Cup Finals through the Group Phase, but after two rounds they are on the right track with maximum of four points.

The organising rights have been awarded already last December before the Group Phase draw in Belgrade, Serbia.

“First thing, it was important for our event not to be held in Germany. The Champions League Final Four is already taking place in Cologne. The other clubs think that's it's a huge advantage for the German clubs to play at home, which is something you can understand.

"Clearly, Nantes' candidacy was very good from the start. The H (Nantes' club) has this reputation of being serious when they organise an event, just like the whole area actually. Every event that has taken place here has been a success,” he explained the choice of the EHF when they pick out the French city from the pool of candidates.

“Two French League Cups which were held here, were very important for our decision of course. No matter if the competition is national or international, the problems and the solutions are the same.

There is a real knowledge of how to organise something here. After the presentation, it was clear to all of us that Nantes was really the best candidate. The HBCN gave us the best technical guaranties and a very beautiful setting,” Brihault added.