HBL Club HSV Hamburg Reportedly In Danger Of Not Receiving License For Next Season

Financially struggling Handball Bundesliga (HBL) club HSV Hamburg "reportedly has to be worried about its Bundesliga license," according to the SID. Head coach Martin Schwalb, players and administrative employees of the club "have reportedly been waiting for their March salaries since April 5." The unpaid salaries total about €550,000 ($790,000). It "reportedly is the first time in nine years that salary payments have been overdue." Managing Dir Holger Liekefett said, "I'm currently very certain that we would receive the license without any requirements. But I can't predict the future." It has also been reported that the club still owes €500,000 ($692,000) in rent payments for Hamburg's O2 World and "has additional outstanding bills from suppliers and player agents." HSV President and patron Andrea Rudolph said, "I have no idea. I'm abroad. Ask the the club management." It was reported that "without Rudolph's millions, the club would not receive a license for the upcoming season" (SID, 4/14).