Cairo to Host 40th IHF Congress in December 2025
The future leadership of world handball will be decided this winter in Cairo, Egypt, where the 40th Ordinary Congress of the International Handball Federation (IHF) is scheduled from 19 to 22 December 2025.
Big Elections on the Horizon
Delegates from across the globe will gather not just to debate motions and policies, but also to cast their votes for some of the sport’s most influential positions.
At stake are:
The IHF Presidency – the top seat in world handball
1st Vice-President and Treasurer
Two Executive Committee members
Chairpersons of key commissions, including COC (Competitions), PRC (Rules & Referees), CCM (Coaching & Methods), MC (Medical), and CD (Development)
Leadership of the Arbitration Tribunal, Arbitration Commission, and Ethics Commission
A combined total of 25 tribunal and commission members
Internal auditors, including two main and one substitute
The presidency vote is expected to be the focal point, but with more than 40 roles up for grabs, the Congress promises to reshape the federation’s decision-making landscape.
Countdown to September Deadline
Aspiring candidates must submit their official documents to the IHF Secretariat by 21 September 2025. Eligibility is strictly governed by Article 13.7 of the IHF Statutes, meaning federations and individuals need to ensure compliance well in advance.
The same September deadline also applies to:
National Federations registering their delegates for the Congress
Motions to be filed by federations, continental confederations, the Council, Executive Committee, or the President
Cairo in the Spotlight
With the handball world watching, Cairo will once again step into the global spotlight, hosting what is set to be a decisive moment for the sport’s governance.
For many federations, the Congress is not just an administrative gathering—it is a battlefield for influence, a chance to lobby for reforms, and an opportunity to push new strategies that could affect the direction of international competitions, refereeing standards, and global development projects.
What’s Next?
The IHF has published the official announcement and detailed instructions in its ‘Announcement’ section, outlining all deadlines, procedures, and positions open for election.
For now, all eyes are on September—when the final list of candidates will emerge and the race for handball’s most powerful offices truly begins.
