Asian Clubs Championship postponed as Asian Handball Federation issues transfer warning

Kuwait’s defender battles an opponent for the ball.

KUWAIT CITY, June 23: The Asian Handball Federation has postponed the 29th edition of the Asian Club Championship for league champions, which was scheduled for November, after Uzbekistan withdrew from hosting the tournament.

The federation will decide on a new host country in the coming period, while a revised date will be announced later. The competition could potentially be held in August if another nation submits a successful hosting bid.

In parallel, the Asian federation issued a circular to all member associations emphasizing strict adherence to regulations governing domestic player transfers. It warned against completing internal transfers without official notification and without following approved procedures through the relevant channels.

In an official letter dated June 22, 2026, the federation noted that some associations had carried out internal player transfers without complying with established regulations, describing this as a violation of Asian Handball Federation rules.

It explained that any internal transfer counts toward the three-transfer limit allowed per player each season, stressing that breaches will be subject to penalties under the disciplinary regulations of both the Asian and International Handball Federations.

The federation further warned that sanctions could be imposed on national federations, clubs, and players involved, urging all member associations to strictly follow official procedures to ensure proper governance of player registration and transfers.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that Al Shabab Club is planning to revive its first handball team and return to the Kuwaiti league next season after a three-year absence since 2023.

The move is part of the club’s strategy to reactivate the sport and rebuild its presence in domestic competitions. Preparations are underway at the technical and administrative levels to facilitate the anticipated comeback.

If confirmed, Al Shabab’s return would add strength to the league, given the club’s history and potential to enhance the competitive level, with supporters eager to see the team back in action.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff