Gonzalo Pérez de Vargas is not only one of the world’s top goalkeepers with THW Kiel and Spain, he is also one of the most influential player voices in international handball. In an exclusive interview with GoHandball, he speaks about his role as Chairman of the IHF Athletes’ Commission and the challenges of representing players worldwide. He also addresses the packed match calendar and why player influence in the sport is still evolving.
Gonzalo Pérez de Vargas was elected Chairman of the IHF Athletes’ Commission during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, receiving 203 votes from fellow players. The Spanish goalkeeper, who also sits on the IHF Council, now represents athletes from across the globe alongside commission members Mohammad Sanad, Dika Mem, Xenia Smits and Ana Gros.
In this interview, he shares his perspective on player representation, the realities of working within international handball governance, and the key issues that continue to shape the sport.
On his new role and responsibility
You are not only one of the world’s best goalkeepers, but also Chairman of the IHF Athletes’ Commission. How important is that role to you personally?
– Well, it’s obviously a new responsibility and a role that I take seriously. At the end of the day, it’s something extra in my life, and I take it as it comes, knowing that I am still an active player with a family and responsibilities like everyone else.
Was this a role you actively wanted, or were you encouraged by others to stand for election?
– To be honest, it wasn’t something I was actively seeking. I was approached about it and then took some time to think. I appreciated that the people who encouraged me saw potential in my profile, because it means I can be helpful for our sport. My federation also had to submit my candidacy, so I was in contact with them and with the president, Francisco Blázquez.
Why did you feel it was important to get involved at this level of handball governance?
– As the years go by, I feel more respected and more listened to. Younger players also started asking me more about different aspects of handball. So in terms of age and experience, I felt it was time for me to step up.
On player representation and influence
Has player representation always been something you cared about?
– Not from the beginning, I have to say. I’ve been lucky to play for serious clubs and didn’t have many issues early in my career. But that doesn’t mean others didn’t. Over time, I became more aware of the environment around us and the things that affect us as a group. As captain of Barça and the Spanish national team, I also started to understand how things work and felt more responsibility.
Was there a moment where you felt players were not being listened to?
– The “Don’t Play the Players” campaign in 2019 was one of those moments. I’m not sure we were really heard back then, because the issues we raised, like reducing the number of games and improving conditions, are still present today.
How the Athletes’ Commission works
Can you explain how the Chairman of the IHF Athletes’ Commission is elected?
– First, your national federation must submit your candidacy. Each federation can only nominate one player, and not everyone is eligible. You must have played in two IHF World Championships, be at least 20 years old, have no doping or disciplinary sanctions, ideally still be active, and have a good command of English.
– The election takes place during the Olympic Games, where all participating handball players can vote. After the Games, the IHF announces the members of the commission.
How long is your mandate?
– From Paris 2024 until Los Angeles 2028, and as far as I know, there is no possibility of re-election.
What does it mean that players from all over the world voted for you?
– It’s a big responsibility. We know there is still a long way to go, and we want to have a bigger impact in the future. But change takes time. The commission represents many different cultures and personalities, and we are aware of what that responsibility means.
Inside the work of the commission
For many, the Athletes’ Commission sounds abstract. What does your work look like in practice?
– Our main role is to represent players in IHF Council meetings and discussions. We also attend IOC meetings and webinars, and we participate in votes on topics like tournaments, rules, doping and refereeing.
How often do you meet?
– Mostly online, since we are all still active players. I would say every three months, plus we stay in contact through a WhatsApp group. As chairman, I also attend IHF meetings online.
– Our goal is to build a closer relationship with IHF leadership, and I take responsibility for improving that in the coming years.
Do you feel the commission has real influence?
– There is still a lot to do. My feeling is that we are being heard, but we don’t yet have the level of power we should have as key stakeholders in the sport.
Key issues and difficult topics
Can you give an example of an issue the commission has worked on?
– One recent example is the discussion around Russian and Belarusian athletes potentially returning to international competitions. It’s a delicate situation involving both sport and politics. Part of the process is defining the conditions they would need to meet to compete again.
Have there been decisions where you felt you made a real difference?
– Not in a major way yet. Sometimes you feel that small changes could have a positive impact in the future, but nothing big so far.
What are the most urgent issues in international handball right now?
– The calendar is a major one. Also, a large part of our sport is concentrated in one continent. And in my opinion, the IHF and EHF should be more aligned than they have been in recent years.
If you had to name one recurring problem?
– The number of games and competitions.
On the match calendar and player load
We saw Dagur Sigurdsson criticize the match schedule during the Euros. Your thoughts?
– I totally agree with him. There is simply not enough time between matches, especially in the final stages of major tournaments. It affects both performance and the quality of the games.
– At the same time, the schedule was known months in advance, so there was also an opportunity to raise concerns earlier.
Why was the “Don’t Play the Players” campaign necessary?
– Because decisions about the calendar were made without player approval – or even proper understanding from the players’ side.
Did it change anything?
– It moved the conversation forward, but if you look at major tournaments, there hasn’t been a significant change. It remains an ongoing issue.
On pushing for change
How difficult is it to push for change in international handball?
– It’s not easy. There are many independent stakeholders – international federations, continental bodies, national teams, private leagues – and everyone looks after their own interests. Players are often caught in the middle, and our influence gets diluted.
Have you felt frustrated?
– You have to understand where we are starting from. If you expect immediate influence, you will be frustrated. My approach is to build impact step by step.
Do you feel caught between being a player and a representative?
– Not so far. But ideally, the chairman should be a retired player who can dedicate more time and be closer to players globally.
Looking ahead
Has this role changed how you see your own career?
– A little. But it also made me realize that to take the commission to the next level, it would help to have someone working full-time in that role.
Would you consider continuing in sports governance after your career?
– Yes, it’s something I’m considering. One reason I accepted this role was to better understand how international handball works behind the scenes.
If you could send one message to handball players around the world, what would it be?
– There is still a lot to do, but we need to stick together and keep pushing for the best of our sport.