Skjern Håndbold’s hopes of playing in the Champions League next season hinge entirely on winning the Danish Championship final series against Aalborg Håndbold. DanskHåndbold’s interpretation of the rules has surprised and shaken the club, creating uncertainty after their initial celebration of reaching the final.

The disagreement centers on the criteria for the second Champions League spot. While the Danish champion typically gets a spot, and the regular season winner gets a second if they apply, DanskHåndbold argues that a team must first qualify for the European League to be eligible for an upgrade to the Champions League.

Skjern, having finished eighth in the regular season, did not qualify for the European League, potentially giving GOG the right to apply for the Champions League spot instead. This interpretation has led to “rule confusion,” according to Skjern director Carsten Thygesen, who informed the players of the club’s stance.

Skjern Håndbold’s lawyer, Hans Jeppesen, offers a different interpretation of both EHF and DanskHåndbold’s rules. Jeppesen contends that there is no prerequisite of European League qualification for Champions League consideration. He argues that Champions League places are distributed first, followed by European League places, implying that if Skjern wins the silver medal, Dansk Håndbold should apply for their participation in the Champions League.