DEKRA, a German automotive testing firm, has come on board as a partner for the International Handball Federation’s (IHF) World Championships - men’s and women's - through 2027.

In a deal brokered by the Sportfive agency, which serves as the IHF's exclusive media and marketing rights partner, Dekra will serve as the official referee partner across at least four World Championships.

The tie-up covers two editions each of the men's and women's World Championships, the first of which will be the men’s 2025 event, taking place from January 14 in Denmark, Croatia, and Norway.

As the official referee partner, Dekra will gain brand exposure through placement on referee’s jerseys, LED board advertising, and other venue branding opportunities.

Uta Leitner, executive vice president of communications and brand management at Dekra, added: “Handball is an absolute crowd-puller in many countries across Europe, particularly at the major tournaments, which are mostly broadcast on free-to-air TV. Dekra is active in these countries and can therefore make optimal use of the large spectator response that is to be expected."

In the past, Dekra has acted as a commercial partner of German soccer’s DFB governing body, and of the German DTM motor racing series.

This deal comes after the IHF unveiled a similar tie-up with fastener supplier Wurth covering the 2025 (men's and women’s) World Championships.

Outside specific World Championships, the list of IHF commercial partners includes Gerflor, Hummel, and Molten.

Sportfive is responsible for the sale of all IHF World Championship media and marketing rights through a deal (struck in March 2022) running through 2031.