Norway's Handball Federation faces huge European Championship loss: “We cannot continue like this”

Hosting part of the men's European Handball Championship cost the Norwegian Handball Federation about 9.5 million kroner, prompting a warning that the current model cannot continue.

Secretary-General Erik Langerud told VG that the final figure will appear in the federation's 2026 annual accounts. He said the loss was not dramatic and came in below the 14.5 million kroner deficit included in the budget. Even so, it will reduce the federation's equity, which stood at more than 100 million kroner at the start of the year.

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We cannot continue like this

Langerud said the federation slightly increased revenue and cut costs after learning it would receive no public support. He also pointed to benefits that do not appear in a spreadsheet, including recruitment, new volunteers and greater attention for the sport.

The financial contrast with co-hosts Denmark and Sweden was sharp. Both used permanent arenas and made a profit. Norway converted Unity Arena in Bærum for handball at a cost of roughly 12 million to 14 million kroner. Langerud said that expense made the difference between a profit and a loss. The federation had made a 3.5 million kroner profit hosting the men's World Championship at the same converted arena the previous year, but that result included a 10 million kroner state grant.

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It is not super dramatic. It is better than budget. We went into it with our eyes open.

Norway hosted two preliminary groups and sold out its 9,000-seat match against France. The Faroe Islands also played in Bærum and drew only 964 fewer spectators than Norway across their three group matches. Attendance exceeded budget, but the tournament still produced what Langerud called a huge loss. He said spending by visitors and domestic fans on accommodation, food, shopping and transport created substantial economic benefits for Norwegian society, while arguing that something was wrong if everyone except the organizer made money.

The federation plans to co-host the women's European Championship in 2028 and the men's World Championship in 2031. It has withdrawn its interest in hosting the 2034 European Championship for both men and women. Langerud said the federation is developing a new strategy for international tournaments and cannot continue without an appropriate arena and financial support.

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But when everyone makes money from a championship except the organizer, something is wrong