Vipers were close to bankruptcy last fall but were saved by investors. Now comes the announcement that the three-time Champions League winners are shutting down their activities.
– It feels like you’re in the middle of a circus, and that it’s a joke, says Jamina Roberts to Swedish GP.
On Monday morning, it became official – Vipers have gone bankrupt.
“The board made the decision after careful consideration of the club’s financial situation and the lack of possibilities for continued operation,” writes Vipers in a press release.
“The triggering factor for the decision is the lack of an operational guarantee for the current season, combined with liquidity problems.”
Swedish national team star and Vipers player Jamina Roberts tells GP that the news came as a shock.
– I woke up to a text message saying that we were having a meeting about the financial situation at 10 AM. When we got here, we could immediately see in our club leader’s face that it wasn’t good, she says.
All players are now free from their contracts and have the right to seek new clubs.
– I feel a bit apathetic; I’ve already been through this rollercoaster of emotions once, says the 34-year-old.
The bankruptcy announcement has sparked strong reactions in the media as well. Norwegian TV2 handball expert Bent Svele says it’s shocking.
– Norwegian handball is embarrassing itself in front of the rest of the world once again. It’s truly shocking. It’s, of course, sad and terrible for Norwegian handball, says Svele to TV2.