The seventh day of Proligue, which was supposed to see Sélestat against Nice this Friday, November 13, at 8:30 pm has ultimately been postponed to a later date. This postponement also affects six other matches over the same weekend. The current health situation in France is jeopardizing many professional sports, including handball.
Despite the closed-door measures, the Proligue championship is trying, as best as it can, to continue the season. This loss of revenue due to the absence of supporters is putting the future of French handball in great difficulty. The Lidl Starligue (first division) is not spared by these many weeks of confinement. The General Assembly of the National Handball League unanimously dismissed the idea of halting professional competitions.
However, the decision is not only economic but also social and athletic. The psychological and physical integrity means that a prolonged period of inactivity can alter both the level and physical condition of athletes. Furthermore, the 2021 World Championship is scheduled to take place from January 13 to 31 in Egypt. Prolonged postponements could greatly impact the second part of the season. Nice Cavigal Handball is therefore among the 30 professional handball clubs endangered by the current health situation and the prolonged postponements. The president of the National Handball League, David Tebib, expressed:
“It was necessary for us to choose the least bad of the scenarios: Stopping play or playing with economic constraints are two hypotheses that can quickly lead to the bankruptcy of our most vulnerable clubs due to the situation. We are adopting a combative approach, faithful to the values of our sport, convinced that public authorities will eventually recognize our mission of public service and the uniqueness of our model of professionalism. From this perspective, I am certain that we can then envisage support from the State, adapted to the new situation we are facing.”
If the schedule does not change, the reds and blacks will return home on November 21 against Angers. The two teams are the last in Proligue. A victory for the Azurens would give them a breather and allow them to aim for a mid-table return.
