The IHF Council is an institution of the International Handball Federation (the governing body of handball and beach handball). It is the main decision-making body of the organization in the intervals of IHF Congress. Its members are elected by the IHF Congress. The council is a non-executive, supervisory and strategic body that sets the vision for IHF and global handball.
The council is made up of the following individuals:
If a continental confederation has at least 15 national federations as full members, it may nominate a council member for the continent that shall be confirmed by the IHF Congress. Each continental confederation may nominate one vice-president if it has at least 23 national federations as full members. The council shall convene at least twice a year. The term of office of council members shall be four years; re-election is possible. In case of urgent business, the president may seek to make resolutions and decisions by mail between council meetings. Council is the body that awards the IHF World Men's Handball Championship and IHF World Women's Handball Championship.
IHF Commission of Organising and Competitions (COC) is composed of one chairperson and seven members elected by the IHF Council.
IHF Playing Rules and Referees Commission (PRC) is composed of one chairperson and seven members elected by the IHF Council.
IHF Commission of Coaching and Methods (CCM) is composed of one chairperson and seven members elected by the IHF Council.
IHF Medical Commission (MC) is composed of one chairperson and seven members elected by the IHF Council.
IHF Commission for Development (CD) is composed of one chairperson and seven members elected by the IHF Council.
IHF Athletes' Commission is composed of one chairperson and four members elected by the players participating in the Summer Olympic Games every four years.
IHF Arbitration Commission is composed of one chairperson and ten members elected by the IHF Congress.
IHF Arbitration Tribunal is composed of one chairperson and ten members elected by the IHF Congress.
IHF Ethics Commission is composed of one chairperson and five members elected by the IHF Congress.
IHF Beach Handball Working Group (BHWG) is composed of one chairman and four members elected by the IHF Council.
IHF Handball at School Working Group is composed of one chairwoman and two members elected by the IHF Council.
IHF Wheelchair Handball Working Group is composed of one chairman and six members elected by the IHF Council.
IHF Women's Handball Working Group is composed of one chairwoman and four members elected by the IHF Council.
The following is the list of IHF secretaries general.