Overview
- Kretschmer’s suspension was lengthened by one year to December 11, 2028 after the league ruled his February 14 appearance in HC Elbflorenz’s 20th‑anniversary legend game broke the participation ban.
- The HBL cited Article 10.14.1, which forbids suspended players from taking part in any sporting activity organized by DHB member clubs, and Article 10.14.3, which allows extra sanctions for such violations.
- In a circular to teams, the league told clubs to stop inviting suspended athletes to matches or other sporting activities and noted he had been asked to play in a TV Großwallstadt tradition game.
- HC Elbflorenz said the event was a community reunion rather than a formal competition but stated it respects the authorities’ decision and expressed regret for the situation.
- Kretschmer was banned in March 2025 after a positive testosterone test in 2024, later received a suspended prison sentence and a fine, said he used testosterone injections for severe knee arthrosis, and has since ended his pro career, which makes the extension more precedent than practical penalty.