The Finnish Floorball Federation Competition and Disciplinary Group (KKR) has taken significant steps in response to a suspicious betting scandal, issuing bans to 80 players. An investigation conducted by the Finnish Centre for Integrity in Sports (SUEK) determined that while these bans were necessitated by breaches of betting rules, there was no evidence of match-fixing in Finnish floorball.
This week, the federation released the results of the investigation, which scrutinized insider trading related to two specific matches and uncovered violations of a national betting ban that prohibits players, coaches, and team staff from wagering on games in the F-Liiga, Finland's top-tier league.
A total of 115 individuals were evaluated during this inquiry. Of those, seven cases were dismissed due to a lapse in the allowed time frame, and 20 others were cleared as they did not violate the betting ban rules. The bans took effect on Wednesday, impacting 80 players—73 are barred from participating until January 28, 2026, five until February 28, 2026, one individual until March 31, 2024, and another until June 30, 2026. Additionally, investigations are ongoing for five other individuals.
The bans restrict these players from competing in both the F-Liiga and the Inssi-Divar men’s leagues, and even those currently playing in lower leagues or abroad are affected.
Further investigations will also examine the men’s World Championship match between Finland and Norway, held on December 13, 2024, with results expected next year.
Despite issuing the bans, the federation opted not to disclose the names of those suspended, following a request from its chairman, Olli Rauste. The federation stated, "Our conclusion is that from a legal perspective, the arguments for non-publication are strong, and are clearly based on the current EU interpretation of data protection. In the ethical and moral assessment, convincing arguments can be found both for and against the publication of names. After extensive consideration, our board of directors unanimously decided not to publish the names."
The SUEK investigation confirmed there was no manipulation or match-fixing associated with the individuals involved, meaning the bans stem exclusively from violations of betting protocols.
Addressing the situation, F-Liiga CEO Kimmo Nurminen acknowledged the significant reputational damage to the sport. He stated, "The federation strongly condemns the violations that have occurred, which have led to the most extensive penalties in the history of the sport. We have acted as openly as we could and have actively cooperated with various stakeholders. Now we will make sure that nothing similar happens in the future. From a humane perspective, the penalties now given to players and officials – the most extensive in the history of the sport – are considered to be a sufficient verdict for a breach of contract. The public shame caused by publishing the names would be a disproportionate additional punishment. It would not be responsible in any sense."
The betting issues first surfaced in June when Veikkaus reported suspicious betting patterns around specific floorball games, particularly the 2024-25 F-Liiga playoff match between Classic and SPV and the World Championship match between Finland and Norway, which are now under heightened scrutiny.
Veikkaus highlighted that betting amounts on these matches were abnormally high and noted some wagers came from previously inactive accounts. In mid-September, Veikkaus announced a suspension on betting for elite men's floorball in Finland until the completion of the SUEK investigation and subsequent disciplinary actions. Mikko Lahti, director of risk management and security at Veikkaus, expressed approval of the decisions made thus far and advocated for a 'clean slate' for Finnish floorball. He remarked, "According to investigations, the prohibited betting in floorball has been extensive and systematic. Now that the penalties have been handed out, it is a good time to start from a clean slate. The acts have been serious, but the investigation has not found any evidence of our biggest concern, possible match manipulation. That is a very important matter. The handling of the matter has been consistent, regardless of the complexity of the whole, and it has been taken very seriously. Although we are prepared to react and take swift action in the event of abuse, we hope that we will never have to go through anything like this again."
