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It is the Norwegian infection control regulations that put an end to the European Championship matches in Trondheim. The message arrives less than three weeks before the first game.
– We have turned every stone in the hope of taking the championship to Norway. But we must admit with regret that this time it was not possible to organize a home championship for Norway, says the general secretary of the Norwegian Handball Association, Kåre Geir Lio, in a press release.
The Danish Handball Association is investigating whether Herning can take over the entire tournament. In that case, it will be a great logistical challenge. Two groups in the initial group play, one group in the intermediate round and semi-finals and finals would have been played in Trondheim.
– We’re looking at it right now. We cannot say more in this situation, says Danish union president Per Bertelsen in a statement.
It was already clear that Sweden starts the championship in Herning. Under the original plan, the Swedish national team would have played at Fredrikshamn, but the city was forced to withdraw as the venue for the competition after new restrictions were introduced in North Jutland due to the mutated mink corona virus.
For the Swedish national team coach Hanna Fogelström, the Norwegian message came as no surprise.
– It wasn’t entirely unexpected. We have waited quite a few weeks to see how Norway reacts to this. For us, not much changes, we are still fully prepared for the championship, says Fogelström to TT.
Is there a concern that the championship will be canceled?
– Yes, it is clear that it is always in the back of my mind that “will it really happen?”. Everything can happen. But we are just trying to take the steps we can to get rid of the championship. Then the girls and the leaders prepare as best they can and concentrate on handball.
If the whole championship moves to Denmark This means that Sweden, should you advance to the last weekend, you will not have to travel to Norway.
– Of course it is an advantage to avoid that trip. But the EHF (European Handball Federation) had organized an authorized plan for Norway. So there was no risk of exposure around the crown, says Hanna Fogelström.
Norwegian Culture Minister Abid Raja says the Norwegian Handball Association shows responsibility through the decision.
– In light of the contagion situation in this country, it is correct that the organizer resigns. Like other Norwegians interested in handball, I would like the European Championship to take place as planned, but the infection situation in Norway does not allow it, Raja tells the Norwegian news agency NTB.
The European Handball Championship will be played from December 3 to 20.
