Kristianstad take Champions League spot to end Sweden's hiatus from top table

Anton Hallback shoots for Kristianstad in the Handbollsligan final series against Malmo
Anton Hallback shoots for Kristianstad in the Handbollsligan final series against MalmoAvdo Bilkanovic / Bildbyran Photo Agency / Profimedia

The EHF Champions League expanding from 16 to 24 teams is good news for the Swedish league, whose champion - IFK Kristianstad - have been given a place in the 2026/27 competition.

Kristianstad will be the first Swedish club to participate since the 2019/20 season, the last competition to be held with 28 teams before the reduction to 16.

The current Swedish champions were regular participants in the older formats of the competition, but with places limited to 16 in recent years, the Handbollsligan was not guaranteed an automatic spot in the competition. Kristianstad and domestic rivals Ystads were among the teams who were rejected wildcard entries over the past few seasons.

The new 24-format features teams split into six groups of four teams for the Group Phase, with the top two in each advancing to the Main Round - two groups of six. The top four in the Main Round groups will progress to the Quarter-finals.

Teams eliminated in the Group Phase will drop down into the EHF European League Play-off round. Teams finishing fifth in the Main Round groups will enter the European League at the Round of 16 stage.

The draw for the Champions League Group Phase will take place on Friday 26 June. 

Kristianstad will go into their elite-level campaign without Axel Mansson. The 21-year-old rising star was the top scorer in the European League last season with 98 goals, despite the Swedish club's elimination in the Play-Offs, but has transferred to Danish side Skjern on a three-year deal.

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