09.02.2010, 05:36
Time for a closer look

EHF Secretary General talks about the work that follows EHF EURO 2010 –a tournament that set new standards for the competition.

Time for a closer look

Eurohandball.com talks to Michael Wiederer who takes a look back at the EHF EURO 2010 in Austria. After an enthusing and successful EURO, the focus of the EHF Secretary General is already on the upcoming top events.

Eurohandball.com: One week after the EURO, how would you summaries the events?

Michael Wiederer: I have to say that we had very positive emotions during the EURO and a really good impression. It was a success not only for the EURO Events, also for handball in general.

We have seen halls full of passionate fans, many attractive matches decided often by only few goals, and the media reception was also positive…

However, one week after the Final, the time has come for in-depth analysis.

Eurohandball.com: What does this analysis involve?

Michael Wiederer: We are looking forward to receiving the exact European and global TV figures. We will receive it soon. This is always very exciting, but not everything: a profound follow-up work has begun on all levels.

The technical committees will meet for the first time after the EURO over the upcoming weekend and they will review the events. The people responsible for organisational matters will also evaluate the championship.

For us it is very important that the EHF partners including TV and marketing partner Infront, equipment partner adidas and flooring partner Gerflor, give their valuable feedback.

In fact, this follow-up work has begun already in the last days of the EURO when we met the leaders of the 16 participating National Federations and asked for their opinion. The information coming from them will also be integrated into our evaluation procedure.

Eurohandball.com: The EHF had a number of meetings during the EURO. What did these occasions serve?

Michael Wiederer: It was very interesting to meet various established interest groups, such as the clubs, leagues or players. We also had coordination meetings with National Federations as well as regular business meetings – Committees/Boards, Finance Delegation and Executive Committee Meeting.

Eurohandball.com: EHF EURO 2010 in Austria has set new standards in a number of aspects…

Michael Wiederer: We are happy for that and the EHF intends to implement all new and successful elements into the organisation of the next EUROs.

Just to give you an example, it was the first time ever that the EHF organised the awarding ceremony directly. It was an attractive and dynamic show closing a similarly spectacular tournament.

All in all, the EHF is looking forward to its next top events and also to the qualification games leading up to them. The qualification period for the Women’s EHF EURO 2010 in Denmark/Norway is already open – the next matches are coming up at the end of March.

At the same time, we already have to think about the next Men’s EHF EURO in 2012 that will take place in Serbia. The Qualification Draw 2nd phase will soon mark the beginning of a long road to the title for the European top teams.

TEXT: Eurohandball.com