Jozef Ambrus passes away

It is the sad task for the EHF to report the death of one of the federation’s founding fathers, Jozef Ambrus. He passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, 29 June.

‘Bubo’ as he was affectionately known to his many friends and colleagues within the handball family, was a member of the EHF Executive Committee from the federation's foundation in 1991 through to 2008.

He was Chairman of the Competitions Commission until 2004 and also a match delegate from 1993 to 2008.

Having started his career as a player with Red Star Bratislava, he later played an active role in refereeing in his home country, Slovakia.

Prior to the foundation of the EHF, Ambrus was a top-level IHF referee at major events including the 1982 Women’s World Championship in Hungary and the 1986 Men’s World Championship in Switzerland.

His many contributions to the work of the EHF extended well beyong his expertise in refereeing, having been responsible for the design of the orginal blue and yellow EHF logo.

Commenting on his death, Michael Wiederer, EHF Secretary General, said: “Jozef was both a colleague and a friend, always ready to support over the past 25 years, especially with his expert knowledge from his many years at a top referee. He will be greatly missed by all those who had the pleasure to work with him over the years.”

The EHF would like to pass its sincerest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Jozef ‘Bubo’ Ambrus across the European and international handball family.

 A funeral service will take place in Bratislava on Friday, 1 July at 8:45 am.