The SEHA – Gazprom League has announced that the ninth season of their competition, in 2019/20, will feature Chinese side Beijing Sport University. The SEHA League previously included only teams from within Europe’s South Eastern Handball Association. It was also a 10-team competition, but from 2019/20 will feature 12 clubs.

“The entrance of the Chinese team will mark the new handball era in the region and in the SEHA – Gazprom League. Our goal is to develop the regional handball and bring something new, revolutionary to the region. This way we are expanding our horizons and markets in south-east Europe, but also beyond the European borders,” said President of the SEHA – Gazprom League Mihajlo Mihajlovski.

The SEHA – Gazprom League Executive Committee decision comes after the announcement of the changing competition format. Along with the expansion from 10 to 12 clubs, the playing format will now feature two groups of six teams. After each side plays 10 group matches, the top clubs will proceed to the play-offs and from there the Final 4. The new system is partly designed to reduce the number of matches.

“In the upcoming season we will have 12 participants in the League. We have always strived for the stronger sporting and marketing aspects of the League and we are sure that with the Chinese team entering the League, the future of handball in the region and globally will benefit from it,” said Mihajlovski.

“I am happy to say we are very proud and we are warmly welcoming Beijing Sport University to our League. A lot of work, new challenges and new projects are ahead of us and we hope this ninth season will be once again successful and exciting.”

More information on the SEHA – Gazprom League can be found on the official website.

Photo: Jozo Cabraja / kolektiff