Manuel Zehnder, the Bundesliga’s top scorer, is facing a dilemma after the recent ruling by the State Labor Court in Nuremberg. The court rejected Zehnder’s appeal and his request for an injunction against the court’s decision from June 2024. This decision impacts Zehnder’s eligibility to play for another team, likely the ThSV Eisenach.
During the previous season, Zehnder was under contract with HC Erlangen but was loaned out to ThSV Eisenach, where he played a pivotal role in securing the team’s spot in the league with 277 goals. However, at the end of the season, he had to return to Erlangen, where his contract runs until 2026. Zehnder claimed to have only digitally extended his contract, citing legal technicalities to argue for his release.
The court ruled that the digital extension was not sufficient under labor law and that the absence of a written contract meant his employment should be considered indefinite. Zehnder then chose to terminate his contract with a notice period of four weeks, effective June 30, 2024. Despite his arguments, the court did not find sufficient grounds to assume that Zehnder would be granted the necessary playing eligibility in the Bundesliga.
As a result, Zehnder now faces the prospect of a lengthy legal process to resolve his playing status, which could potentially take up to six months. This delay could mean missing a significant portion of the upcoming season, which begins in just four weeks. In the meantime, Zehnder has reportedly joined the training sessions with ThSV Eisenach to stay in shape and be ready in case an agreement is reached between the clubs.
The situation has put Zehnder in a difficult position, as he risks missing out on crucial playing time while the legal proceedings unfold. Despite efforts to reach a settlement with Erlangen, the club’s demands for a transfer fee have reportedly been unrealistic. With Erlangen already signing a new player to replace Zehnder, it seems unlikely that he will return to the team.
In the midst of this uncertainty, Zehnder is focusing on maintaining his fitness and staying prepared for the upcoming season. His presence in Eisenach’s training camp indicates his commitment to being ready for whatever the future holds, whether it involves a resolution with Erlangen or a potential move to another club. As the handball community follows Zehnder’s journey, the outcome of this legal battle will determine his fate for the upcoming season.