The International Handball Federation (IHF) has accepted the request from Austria to be released from the remaining matches at the 2022 IHF Women’s Junior (U20) World Championship in Slovenia.

As a consequence of several positive COVID-19 cases in the Austria team, the side is not able anymore to present a coach at their matches. However, according to Article 3.5. of the COVID-19 competition-related regulations, “there must be at least one (1) official with coaching experience/licence available for a team to compete.”

Furthermore, the depleted delegation from Austria does not want to risk the health of their players – either by more infections or injuries due to the fact that there are not enough substitute players – or the health of others involved in the event. 

In addition to the fact that no coach is available at the matches, the IHF fully understands the above-mentioned concerns and therefore decided to accept the request in order to keep all stakeholders involved in the World Championship safe and healthy. 

Austria play in the President’s Cup, which means that their withdrawal has no impact on the knock-out phase of the competition. The matches of Austria will be counted as 10:0 forfeit victories for their opponents in the President’s Cup, with the opponents claiming two points, as per Article 3.5 of the COVID-19 competition-related regulations.

The necessary arrangements have been taken for the team to return to Austria.