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Abuse of power in handball: DHB announces "independent processing" by a commission of experts

2022-10-26T15:58:06.244Z


After SPIEGEL research on psychological terror in women's handball, the DHB now wants to initiate an external investigation. It remains unclear how far-reaching the investigation will be in the specific case of coach André Fuhr.


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Former Bundesliga coach André Fuhr

Photo: Patrick Nuhn / Lobeca / IMAGO

After the allegations of psychological violence in women's handball, the German Handball Federation (DHB) announced an "independent and external review" by a commission of experts.

This only happened after those affected, such as national player Mia Zschocke, had publicly criticized the association for its previous actions.

In its current issue, SPIEGEL has compiled serious allegations of psychological violence against long-time Bundesliga coach André Fuhr and reconstructed the abuse of power over the years.

The critical questioning of one's own approach has begun, the thorough review of the processes in the prevention of violence and the early detection of possible incidents will be promptly launched, according to a statement from the association on Wednesday.

The allegations against the long-time Bundesliga and DHB coach that have become known would give a “shattering picture” in total and in scope.

At the DHB executive committee meeting next Friday in Leipzig, a “commission independent of the association and made up of renowned people” will be commissioned with the investigations “which should primarily clarify which conditions and structures can lead to sexualized and psychological violence and what ways and means there are to better prevent this in the future and to strengthen the self-confidence of young athletes in particular".

The association's presidium agreed on this in a video conference on Wednesday.

“This has been known in the league for years”

However, it must also be examined to what extent the association itself could have intervened at an early stage.

According to SPIEGEL, they tell stories of players who ran away from Fuhr.

"This has been known in the league for years," says Maik Schenk, manager of Thüringer HC, a top club in the Bundesliga with seven championship titles.

The press release does not make it clear to what extent the association will have its own role and responsibility reviewed in the specific case of coach Fuhr.

  • Read a comment on this – »The culture of looking the other way« 

The allegations are about intimidation, threats and harassment.

With words, comments, text messages and absurd regulations, until the women were completely terrified.

"André Fuhr broke us bit by bit," one of those affected, Anja Ernsberger, told SPIEGEL.

"Handball must not be a playing field for violence," said DHB President Andreas Michelmann in a statement: "It is important to me that we review our processes seriously, conscientiously and in detail and improve necessary structures where necessary.

In order to do this seriously, we have to take the necessary time, despite the public pressure of expectations.

I am also in constant contact with the team through co-captain Emily Bölk.«

jan/sid

Source: spiegel

All sports articles on 2022-10-26

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