Overview

• The Löwen’s late-May trip to Mallorca took place during a scheduled Handball-Bundesliga break.
• On their return the team lost 26:33 at home to TVB Stuttgart.
• That defeat is blamed for tipping the relegation battle and contributing to SG BBM Bietigheim’s drop.
• Coach Iker Romero denounced the excursion as disrespectful and Michael Kraus called for penalties on unsanctioned team trips.
• The HBL has declined to intervene, calling it a private matter, but faces mounting pressure to set clear conduct guidelines.