Hungarian Handball Federation fined

The EHF Court of Handball has released a decision in a case related to incidents which occurred at the Women’s EHF EURO 2014 Main Round match between Hungary and Romania in Debrecen on 13 December 2014.

While the Romanian national anthem was played some Hungarian spectators turned their back on the playing court and made obscene hand gestures towards the Romanian national team.

Upon request of the EHF Initiator of Proceedings legal proceedings were opened against the Hungarian Handball Federation.

The EHF Court of Handball underlines that “according to the EHF Statutes, the EHF’s mission is to encourage friendship and mutual understanding among members, to not discriminate on the basis of politics, race or religion, and reject any illegitimate practices in sports.

"Consequently, misbehaviours such as the ones displayed by Hungarian spectators during the Match shall therefore not be tolerated in our sport and a zero tolerance policy implemented. Contravention to these principles shall be subject to sanctions pursuant to EHF regulations."

Consequently, pursuant to articles 14.1 and 14.2 of the EHF List of Penalties as well as B.3 of the EHF list of Penalties, the EHF Court of Handball imposes a fine of €5,000 (five thousand euro) on the Hungarian Handball Federation for the racist and improper behaviour of their supporters.

In addition, the EHF Court of Handball draws the attention of the National Federation to the fact that any recidivism may lead to a ban on spectators for a given number of matches in the future.