Executive Board Meeting Summary – 20–21 March 2026
1. President’s Welcome
The President opened the meeting noting that this is the first session with all committees fully operational. The indoor season was successfully delivere with major tournaments performing strongly and receiving positive feedback. However, finances for 2025 did not meet expectations; the upcoming Championship‑year delivery will be critical. Inflation pressures persist, and the combination will mean reviewing cost‑conscious measures including a hiring freeze.
The EuroHockey Foundation’s status was initially rejected by tax authorities, requiring further justification by the end of March; discussions are being reopened with their support. Work is underway to use external companies to help us raise revenue for EuroHockey and the Foundation.
Russia and Belarus have returned to youth competitions starting this summer in line with the latest IOC and FIH advice.
2. Apologies for Absence & Conflict of Interest
All board members were present. It was agreed that all board members with conflict of interest to vote on EHC 2029 bid will be part of the discussion but won’t vote on Saturday.
3. Approval of December Minutes
The minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed and formally approved without objections.
4. Competitions
Outdoor Competitions Report
Concerns have been received regarding Turkiye hosting given the war in Iran but it was agreed that until such time as the situation changes that tournaments in Türkiye will proceed as planned normally.
A discussion on Russia and Belarus and protocols for these events had already taken place under the President’s welcome.
Consideration was given to potential scheduling impacts of the 2027 Junior World Cup on U18 events.
Hosts for the 2027 U18 competition were approved and updated age regulations were accepted.
New FIH rules allowing 20‑player squads with match‑by‑match selection will apply from 2027 at European level; the 2026 U21 events will continue with 18‑player squads.
The 50% withdrawal fare rule was approved so that there is a short period once teams know where the competition is to withdraw without paying any part of the entry fee. Eligibility responsibilities remain fully with National Associations and severe penalties will apply for violations. A political letter will be issued to raise awareness and encourage compliance.
EHL Update
The EHL is functioning well with host partners, and targets are being met. A broader format/schedule discussion is ongoing within the EHL Board.
EHC 2027 Update
Working groups are active and progressing. The Ticketmaster contract is ready for sign‑off, The branding was launched in January.
EHC 2029 Bid Information
Three bids were assessed (Netherlands, Spain, Belgium). Evaluation criteria included but was not limited to licensing, financial support, legacy, delivery capacity, and production arrangements. The Netherlands provided the strongest financial proposal, positioning them as the recommended host. The Board voted in favour of the Netherlands.
5. Finance
A financial overview highlighted that 2025 will end with a significant loss. Work is ongoing to finalise the figures and prepare for the auditor’s visit and to look further into where additional costs were made. It was agreed to look at any areas where costs could be reasonably saved.
The new Odoo accounting system, being fully compliant with Belgium accounting practices, will make the audit process more efficient. 2026 will be monitored closely. Concerns were expressed that given the geopolitical situation that inflation is likely to have an impact this year.
The EHL position remains strong with a positive result expected for the 2025/26 season. As mentioned, work on the Foundation ANBI (tax status in the Netherlands) is ongoing and if approved will open the doors to funding opportunities.
6. Strategy & Development
Updates were provided on grants, digital transformation, and funding applications. A roadmap for ongoing digital development was discussed. The competition rebranding feasibility study remains on track for the June 2026 Board meeting. Safeguarding and Integrity policies will also be formally presented in June.
7. Communications (2025 & Indoor 2026 Review)
The communications review included updates on the 2026 Indoor season social media and streaming performance. It was good to note some TV broadcast interest this year which is hoped will continue to grow. The renewal of our OTT platform is currently under review.
8. Commercial Report & EHTV
A request for interest proposal was sent to a number of sports marketing agencies with a view to seeing who could be interested in working with us to secure more partnerships across our assets. After some discussion, it was concluded that we should proceed with an external agency for sponsorship development focused on EuroHockey assets initially.
9. Competitions – EHC 2029 Host Decision
Following presentations and discussion, the Board voted to award the 2029 EHC hosting rights to the Netherlands. Embargoed communication will follow until the announcement is made.
10. Any Other Business (AOB)
The Board confirmed that the June meeting will be held in Poznań with detailed scheduling to follow. A Friday‑evening dinner and Saturday departure are planned.
