Vardar Returns to the Elite, the Champions League Expands to 24 Teams

Vardar returns to the elite, the Champions League expands to 24 teams

Big news for Macedonian handball: after a four-year break, Vardar is once again part of the Champions League. And the return comes just as the most elite competition is changing at the roots - from next season it will have 24 instead of 16 men's teams. From Skopje to Bitola, this summer handball breathes differently.

Official: Vardar back in the Champions League

The European Handball Federation has confirmed that Macedonian champions Vardar will play in the new Champions League season - a return that took four years. The decision came just days before the draw for the group stage, set for 26 June in Vienna. For a club with two European crowns in its history, this is more than participation - it's an attempt to bring back the aura of its mightiest days. Vardar even announced a special video for the return. Now comes the harder part: the group stage among Europe's giants doesn't forgive romance, it demands a roster.

The Champions League grows: 24 men's teams from next season

The EHF has confirmed a major expansion - the men's Champions League goes from 16 to 24 teams from the 2026/27 season, split into six groups of four. For the women the system stays the same, with two groups of eight. Among the confirmed men's clubs are European heavyweights Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Magdeburg and Veszprém, and the joint draw for both competitions is on 26 June in Vienna. The competition starts in September. More teams means more matches and more money - but also the question of whether quality will be diluted once the door opens wider.

Gidsel: the chess I play when I play handball

Danish ace Mathias Gidsel, right back of Füchse Berlin, is perhaps the most complete handballer of today - a two-time world champion with Denmark, Olympic winner and world player of the year for 2023. In the first instalment of the new EHF series he revealed his philosophy: he uses the first half to "read" the opponent's defence. "It's the chess I play when I play handball," Gidsel says. He was the top scorer at the last three major championships - and that without taking a single penalty. A genius who thinks while everyone else just runs.

Pelister builds for the title, Kolakovic the ninth signing under Cervar

While Vardar returns to Europe, Eurofarm Pelister of Bitola is completing its squad for the new season under the baton of the legendary Lino Cervar. The latest name is Serbian international Aleksa Kolakovic, a 28-year-old centre back with rich international experience, who arrives from France's Saint-Raphaël. Kolakovic has signed a one-season deal with an option for another and is the ninth signing of the Bitola side. The ambition is clear: with Cervar on the bench and a reinforced roster, Pelister isn't playing to take part but to win the title. Bitola takes handball seriously - now the court has to confirm it too.