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HBL Moves to Penalize Nordhorn After Club Admits Licence Figures Were Unrealistic

HBL has signalled provisional sanctions with a six-point deduction, monthly liquidity reporting, limits on personnel spending, and a short-term proof of covered liquidity

Overview

  • HSG Nordhorn-Lingen publicly confirmed persistent financial trouble and its new CEO Michael Jonker acknowledged that figures in the club’s 2026/27 licence application were not realizable.
  • The HBL licensing commission told Nordhorn on Wednesday it intends to dock six points for 2026/27 and imposed three immediate conditions: proof of covered liquidity shortfall, monthly liquidity and earnings plans, and caps on personnel spending.
  • Company-register filings show an uncovered deficit that rose from about €156,000 on 30 June 2024 to about €779,000 on 30 June 2025 and reporting inside the handball scene claims the gap may have grown further by June 2026 but that seven-figure figure remains unverified.
  • Relegated club HSG Krefeld Niederrhein says it will pursue sporting and legal remedies and has hired specialist lawyer Helge-Olaf Käding to assess whether Nordhorn’s licence was granted on inaccurate information.
  • The licensing commission has given Nordhorn a right to be heard before any final decision, the HBL investigation is ongoing, and the case could prompt changes to how the league vets and monitors club finances.