(ATR) The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled in favor of the Pan American Team Handball Federation, annulling the decision by the International Handball Federation to split the federation in two.
PATHF appealed a decision by the IHF Council in January, which split the confederation intoseparate North American and South American confederations. The decision had ramifications for the Americas, as it would leave the region without a vice president on the council.
CAS annulled decisions by the IHF arbitration commission that enforced the split and annulled the IHF statue that delegated a decision to the IHF Council, according to a statement from PATHF. The IHF was also ordered to reimburse PATHF "a portion of the expenses" of the appeal.
"Pan-America remains united because we, members of the Pan-American handball family, have remained united," Mario Moccia, PATHF President, said in a statement. "We have done so thanks to the strength our athletes have given us, they who inspire each of our actions."
The IHF said in a statement that it "is maintaining its position" to develop two confederations in the Americas despite a CAS ruling in favor of PATHF. Since the decision in January the IHF said that the two confederations are "not only managing the continental affairs but also drafting the statutes and regulations" which include World Championship qualification.
"The project of a recognition of two separate Continental Confederations by the next IHF Congress remains absolutely in force and will be implemented forthwith in the best interest of handball worldwide," the IHF statement said.
The IHF said it would review the CAS decision at its next council meeting in October in Doha, Qatar, but added that the "planned handball development program for the two continents will be maintained".
"What we received is the operative decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport without any justification or reasons," an IHF spokesperson said to Around the Rings. "Therefore, when we have the complete picture, the issue will be discussed in the next IHF Council meeting, taking into consideration that the IHF’s plans will not be affected by the decision."
ATR understands that PATHF will now review the impasse to assess next steps because of the ruling.
When asked about the IHF statement Moccia told ATR unequivocally, "[CAS] has clearly ruled in favor of the unity of the Americas".
Written by Aaron Bauer
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