Greek national team banned & fined for protesting over ‘Macedonia’ naming issue

The European Handball Federation (EHF) excluded the Greek national women’s team from the EHF Championship for women players under 17, after the Greek team left the court in protest over FYROM officials wearing t-shirts with the name 'Macedonia.'

The EHF reported that on Tuesday, the Women’s 17 EHF Championship played in Skopje and Greece's national team left the court after 32 seconds of their scheduled match against the home team in protest at the fact that team officials were wearing clothing with the name ‘Macedonia.’

Proceedings were opened against the Greek Handball Federation following the match and the Disciplinary Committee stated that the team had an obligation to play the match according to the regulations of the EHF.

The Greek team was excluded from the remainder of the competition, fined €25.000 and may also need to pay further damages.

The EHF released the following statement:

“Following the decision to expel the Greek national team from the Women’s 17 EHF Championship, an appeal was lodged by the Greek Handball Federation.

After due consideration of all aspects of the case, including a statement from the Greek Handball Federation, the event’s Jury Commission upheld the decision of the Disciplinary Commission.”