Benfica’s in a tough spot. Their Hungarian goalkeeper, Kristóf Palasics, is heading back to Veszprém. The European Handball Federation (EHF) is making them send him back.
This all started when Palasics got hurt. His old team, Veszprém, had loaned him to Benfica. The original deal said if someone from Veszprém got seriously hurt, Palasics could go back. That’s what happened – Mike Jensen got hurt.
Benfica’s not happy about this. They think the EHF’s decision is unfair and helps Veszprém too much. They plan to fight it and take it to a higher authority. The Portuguese Handball Federation is backing them up.
The Situation
Benfica released a statement saying they don’t agree with the EHF’s decision. They think it’s arbitrary and doesn’t make sense. The statement says:
The Sport Lisboa e Benfica announces that athlete Kristóf Palasics will return to Veszprém due to the explicit imposition of the EHF – European Handball Federation. The Sport Lisboa e Benfica does not conform to this arbitrary and unjustified decision by the EHF, which, disrespecting the rights of the Club and the athlete, directly benefits the Hungarian rival, and will appeal to higher international authorities.
They’re upset because they think this decision helps Veszprém too much. Benfica is going to keep fighting for what they think is right. They appreciate the support from the Portuguese Handball Federation and Palasics, who won’t be playing with the team for a while.