Lions with legal actionValuable points are deducted from former handball champions
In February, the Rhein-Neckar Löwen fought for two valuable points in the battle for international business against the surprise team Lemgo. But the fight is in vain: due to a bureaucratic glitch, the points are immediately deducted.
The Rhein-Neckar Löwen subsequently lost two points due to a violation of the anti-doping arbitration agreement in the handball Bundesliga. As the HBL league association announced, the Lions encounter on the 22nd matchday on February 20th against TBV Lemgo Lippe (32:30) will be scored 0-2 points and 0-0 goals to the Lions’ disadvantage. The club announced legal action against the HBL decision.
“The Handball Bundesliga has informed us about the matter and the resulting decision by the HBL. We as Rhein-Neckar Löwen are taking legal action against this decision within the deadline set by the HBL. We therefore ask for your understanding that we will not comment on further action or the ongoing proceedings,” said Löwen managing director Holger Bachert.
According to the HBL, the reason for the rating is a formal violation of the anti-doping arbitration agreement. Accordingly, the Lions used a player who did not have a signed anti-doping arbitration agreement. Since January 1, 2026, the submission of such an agreement has been a mandatory requirement for eligibility to participate. If it is not presented, the game is considered lost according to the rules.
Bonus points for fighting for the Champions League
After delivery, an objection can be lodged against the decision with the 2nd Chamber of the DHB Federal Sports Court. Points will be deducted and transferred to TBV Lemgo Lippe only after the procedure has been completed. The second division team TV Hüttenberg had previously received a point deduction for the same offense. “The HBL is obliged to treat all licensees equally. All licensees have been expressly made aware of the consequences of losing a game if there is no anti-doping arbitration agreement,” explained the HBL.
The Rhein-Neckar Löwen, former club of top star Juri Knorr and two-time champions, are fighting to return to international competition this season. Due to the setback at the Green Table, the European dreams for the team led by the two European vice-champions David Späth and Jannik Kohlbacher are in danger of suddenly bursting.
Surprise team Lemgo, on the other hand, can look forward to two unexpected points in the fight for a Champions League place as things stand. Thanks to the “bonus points”, the Westphalians have moved within one point of SG Flensburg-Handewitt in third place, which may entitle them to take part in the premier class this season. With the reigning champions Füchse Berlin in second place they are – if the points are transferred – even after minus points.
