SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 11, 2024 – The European Handball Federation (EHF) announced today the successful completion of a comprehensive two-year integrity education program for nearly 300 of its indoor and beach handball referees. The program, developed in partnership with Sportradar Integrity Services, focused on equipping referees with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain the highest standards of integrity in handball.
Protecting the Game's Integrity
The EHF's commitment to protecting the integrity of its sport is unwavering. This program represents a significant step forward in preventing match-fixing and other forms of misconduct that could undermine the fairness and credibility of handball competitions. By educating referees on the potential risks and providing them with tools to identify and report suspicious activity, the EHF is fostering a culture of integrity across all levels of the sport.
"Maintaining the integrity of our sport is paramount," said Martin Hausleitner, EHF Secretary General. "Our referees play a crucial role in upholding the values of fair play and sportsmanship. This education program empowers them to make informed decisions and take appropriate action to protect the integrity of every match."
A Comprehensive and Collaborative Approach
The education program covered a wide range of topics, including anti-match-fixing measures, digital and social media integrity, and the identification of potential threats to the sport's integrity. The initiative was mandatory for all EHF referees and included examinations and certification.
The partnership with Sportradar, a global leader in sports integrity solutions, provided the EHF with access to world-class expertise and technology. Sportradar's Universal Fraud Detection System (UFDS) monitors all EHF events for unusual betting patterns, providing an additional layer of protection against match-fixing.
"We are proud to support the EHF in their commitment to integrity," said Andreas Krannich, Sportradar Executive Vice President of Integrity, Rights Protection and Regulatory Services. "This comprehensive education program is a testament to their proactive approach to protecting the sport of handball. By working together, we can ensure that handball remains a fair and transparent sport for all."
A Commitment to a Fair and Transparent Sport
The successful completion of the referee education program demonstrates the EHF's dedication to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in handball. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, the EHF and its partners are committed to preserving its integrity for players, fans, and stakeholders alike.
Media Contact:
Thomas Schöneich EHF Director Media and Communications Mobile: +43 664 88 222 508 Email:schoeneich@eurohandball.com