It is with deep sorrow that the International Handball Federation (IHF) announces the passing of Marcus Helbig, a former German referee whose devotion and impact on international handball were felt by colleagues, athletes, and fans around the world.

Starting as a referee in 1988, Helbig had an illustrious career which spanned both in Germany and on the international stage. For over a decade, Marcus Helbig served the sport at the highest level as an IHF referee, leaving a mark of excellence and integrity on and off the court. Alongside his long-time partner Lars Geipel, Helbig officiated at six editions of the IHF World Championships, including two Women’s and four Men’s events. 

The pair was entrusted with some of the most crucial matches of these competitions, having refereed the semi-final of the 2011 IHF Men’s World Championship between France and Sweden, and the 2017 IHF Men’s World Championship semi-final clash between France and Slovenia. His expertise was equally used on the women’s stage, whistling the 2009 IHF Women’s World Championship semi-final between Norway and Russia.

Helbig, who passed away at 53 years old, was also present at the London 2012 Olympic Games, where the pair was entrusted with the men’s semi-final between Sweden and Hungary and at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, where the German pair of referees whistled a quarter-final in the men’s competition between Croatia and Poland.

Geipel and Helbig were also named the best referees in Germany in the 2011/12 season, officiated over 600 matches in the German Bundesliga and over 250 international matches. 

Following his on-court career, Marcus Helbig continued to shape the sport as an IHF Playing Rules and Referees Commission (PRC) Lecturer and as an IHF delegate, roles in which he mentored a new generation of referees with characteristic dedication and wisdom. His commitment was undiminished, as recently demonstrated by his involvement at the 2024 IHF Women’s World Championship as a delegate.

Marcus Helbig’s legacy is one of professionalism, fairness, and a true passion for the game of handball. 

The IHF President, Dr Hassan Moustafa, together with the global handball family, extends its deepest condolences to Marcus Helbig’s family, friends, and colleagues.