Miguel Neves Listens In on Norway’s Time-Out — EHF: “Not in Line With Fair Play”
Portuguese player Miguel Neves drew attention in the very closing moments of the match against Norway (35:35), when during the opponent’s final time-out he used an iPad to listen in, apparently with the intention of helping his coaching staff.
Neves told Norway’s TV 2 that it was no coincidence — he understands Norwegian and can speak a little, so he wanted to be better prepared for the opponent’s next move.
“I understand Norwegian and can speak a little. We knew they could play six against seven, or six against six, so we wanted to be a bit more prepared for what we had to defend,” Neves said.
The Portuguese player insists it was not about “stealing,” but about trying to pick up a detail or two if the opportunity presented itself.
“If we could get some information, it would be good for us, but it wasn’t decisive for the match,” he added.
The unusual situation was noticed in the Norwegian camp as well. Tobias Grøndahl admitted after the match that he had seen Neves during some time-outs standing with an iPad and “pressing his ear to it” right next to the bench, so he tried to move the microphone to limit what could be heard.
“I saw him after some time-outs standing with an iPad, practically pressed to his ear. We have so many names and codes for things that I don’t think it’s too dangerous, but of course — you can pick up some simple things,” Grøndahl said.
The Norwegians also asked the European Handball Federation for an explanation, and the response was as follows:
– In principle, the use of digital technology (i.e., tablets) in the substitution area is covered by the regulations (Article 23.8). However, from the EHF side there is complete incomprehension that such devices, which are intended to support player welfare and are used for tactical and coaching purposes, are being used in this way, and we do not consider it to be in line with fair play nor in the interest of the game, wrote EHF media manager Thomas Schöneich in an SMS message to TV 2.
SCREENSHOT: TV 2 DENMARK
