Several French outlets are now reporting that the French Coupe de la Ligue will not return to Florida for it’s final four championship next year. Speaking to reporters last week, French Professional League (LNH) President, Alain Smada, indicated that the league had broken it’s contract with the U.S. organizers New World Sports and that they had legal concerns. The tournament held in Miami last April was a major disappointment in terms of attendance. In breaking the contract, the LNH is backtracking on comments made shortly after the event in Miami that they had confidence in the events long term prospects and that a 3 year plan was in place to eventually turn a profit.
Le Monde: The American Dream Ends: http://www.lemonde.fr/sport/article/2009/09/07/handball-le-reve-americain-prend-fin_1237106_3242.html#xtor=RSS-3242
RMC Info (April 2009): The sponsor knew there expenses wouldn‘t be covered initially: http://www.rmc.fr/edito/sport/75827/smadja-le-sponsor-savait-qu-il-ne-rentrerait-pas-dans-ses-frais/
THN Commentary (April 2009): If you build it, will they come?: http://teamhandballnews.com/news.php?item.734