The European Handball Federation made the decision concerning the participating teams of the EHF Women’s Champions League 2016/2017. The biggest surprise is Rostov in the group stage as the Russian powerhouse finished only second in the Russian league behind Astrakhanochka and according to the place distribution, they didn’t qualify for the Champions League. They asked for a “wild card”, and while the other “wild card” teams (Michalovce, Glassverket, HC Leipzig and Krim) will have to play qualification, Rostov will have a place in the group stage. 13 teams can already prepare for the group matches while 12 teams will compete in the qualification. Record winners Hypo Niederösterreich will have to face qualification. The qualification draw will be held on 29 June in Vienna, while the groups will be drawn on 1 July in Denmark.
The teams of the group stage:
CSM Bucuresti (ROU)
Győri Audi ETO KC (HUN)
HC Vardar (MKD)
ZRK Buducnost (MNE)
FTC-Rail Cargo Hungaria (HUN)
FC Midtjylland (DEN)
Team Esbjerg (DEN)
Larvik HK (NOR)
IK Sävehof (SWE)
Thüringer HC (GER)
Metz Handball (FRA)
Astrakhanochka (RUS)
Rostov-Don (RUS)
The teams in the qualification:
Glassverket (NOR)
SERCODAK Dalfsen (NED)
HC Leipzig (GER)
BM Bera Bera (ESP)
Hypo Niederösterreich (AUT)
RK Krim (SLO)
Podravka Vegeta (CRO)
Indeco Conversano (ITA)
Ankara Yenimahalle (TUR)
Iuventa Michalovce (SVK)
MKS Selgros Lublin (POL)
HC Gomel (BLR)
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