The International Handball Federation (IHF) has applied for the expansion of the World championships attendance from 24 to 32 teams.
The IHF made this known at its 3rd Council Meeting was held on the fringe of the 2018 IHF Super Globe in Doha, Qatar.
The Council made the decision to apply this expansion at the World Championships – for senior, junior and youth in both genders – starting from 2021, with the goal of providing an opportunity for more nations to gain experience on the biggest international stage.
According to the IHF website, the Council heard reports on and discussed past events including previous Executive Committee meetings, the 2018 IHF Women’s Junior (U20) World Championship, the 2018 IHF Women’s Youth (U18) World Championship, and the 2018 IHF Men’s and Women’s Beach Handball World Championships in Russia.
It said, “Possibilities regarding qualification for World Championships from the regions of North America and the Caribbean as well as South and Central America were also discussed.
“A significant item of note discussed on Thursday regarding World Championships is the expansion of the event, from 24 teams to 32”.
It added, “Future items on the agenda included the 2019 Men’s Junior (U21) World Championship in Spain, the 2021 Men’s World Championship in Egypt, the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris and wild card attribution for IHF World Championships.
“Furthermore, the decision of the IHF Ethics Commission regarding the Chairwoman of the IHF Commission for Development as well as the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport related to the Pan-American Team Handball Federation was presented”, it said.
