The final EHF Executive Board of 2020 took place via video conference on Saturday 12th December.
President’s Welcome
The President, Marijke Fleuren, welcomed everyone to the last online meeting of this year. The President outlined that this meeting will be focused on closing an unusual year and planning for 2020. We hope next year will be better and more “light” in the future. The agenda was prioritized specific discussion points given the proximity of the last meeting. Chairs of Athletes Committee, Janne Müller-Wieland and David Harte joined the meeting.
Special Olympics
EHF Vice President Carola Meyer informed the Board about Hockey’s acceptance as a demonstration sport into the Special Olympics being held in Berlin in June 2023. A lot of work has been completed by many parties to bring ParaHockey forward and Carola expressed her gratitude to all involved. The Special Olympics platform is wonderful for hockey and Carola outlined the great support being received from the Special Olympics. Carola also highlighted that to be able to have additional Para disciplines in the future what we know as ParaHockey will now be named as Hockey ID (Intellectual Disability). Click here for more information.
FIH World Cup Qualification
The President and Director General update the Board about the FIH Executive Board meeting discussing the FIH World Cup Qualification process. The President was pleased to confirm that the FIH Board had agreed to quotas being allocated to each CF based on the World Rankings.
Board Member Paper
Angus Kirkland had circulated a paper containing – general information for Board members, the expectation of them in office, conflict of interest and confidentiality. Feedback was requested and the paper will be finalised and approved at the next meeting.
Indoor Extension Proposal
Walter Kapounek updated the Board about EuroHockey Indoor Championship extension proposal to 10 teams. The Board reviewed and discussed the proposal and tabled a final decision until the next meeting.
Commercial update
EHF Partnership Manager, Jokko de Wit, updated the Board with regard to arranging a “village” accommodation for all EHF related events at the EuroHockey Championships with a business model around it. The Board gave the green light of the project and Jokko will keep the Board informed on progress.
The Board also received an update on the EHTV+ project, which was presented at General Assembly. A lot of work is going on finalising the technological elements and discussing with interested Members, Leagues and Clubs.
Financial Report
The Treasurer updated the Board about the financial position for the year to date and Angus Kirkland presented the outlook for the year end which was a slightly better than the last meeting.
EHF Committees Reports
Board members received committee reports before the meeting and were taken as read and were noted.
EHC 2023 Bid Recommendation
Angus Kirkland presented to the Board the EHC Bid Committee recommendations for EuroHockey Championship 2023. As we had two proposed hosts, Germany and Belgium, Carola Meyer, Patrick Keusters, and Janne Müller-Wieland left the meeting on receiving the report and prior to the Board discussion on the subject. The Board discussed the recommendation and approved the recommendation and awarded the 2023 EuroHockey Championships to Germany. Click here for more information.
The President thanked the Board for their time, wished great moments with families at Christmas time, and the meeting closed at 13:20.
