Maccabi Tel Aviv Handball Team Returns to European Competition After Eight Years
Resurgence in European Play
After an eight-year hiatus from European competitions, the Maccabi Tel Aviv handball team is making its return to the international arena. This week, the club registered for the European Cup, joining Maccabi Holon, which finished fifth in the league and will also represent Israel in Europe.
Decision to Participate
Originally, four other teams were set to compete: reigning champions Hapoel Rishon Lezion, A.S. Ramat Hasharon, Maccabi Rishon Lezion, and State Cup holders Hapoel Ashdod. However, these teams decided to forgo their participation in European competitions. In light of this, the Handball Association offered Maccabi Tel Aviv, which finished seventh in the league, the opportunity to take part in the European Cup. The club accepted the invitation.
Previous European Experience
Maccabi Tel Aviv last participated in European competition during the 2016/2017 season by virtue of being the State Cup holders. During that season, they achieved significant success by reaching the group stage, where they faced high-caliber teams such as Minden from Germany, the reigning European champions, KIF Kolding from Denmark, and Tatabánya from Hungary.
Statements from Leadership
Il Prolinker, chairman of Maccabi Tel Aviv Handball, commented, “In my worldview, wherever we are given the opportunity to represent Israel on the international stage, it is very important that we are there. Our decision to join this framework is significant, correct, and commendable. Maccabi Tel Aviv, across all its branches, is a well-known name, and as a team with a long tradition of achievements, it is important for us to be a part of this.”
Doron Shitrok, chairman of Maccabi Tel Aviv Association, added, “We view the decision of our handball team to play in Europe as an important step in the professional advancement of the team. This step reflects the club’s vision of achievement based on a young homegrown player generation and the entire association’s branches, which have made significant achievements in the European arena.”
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s participation in the European Cup marks a new chapter in the club’s history, aiming to restore its presence and competitiveness on the international stage