Key Moments:
- SUEK reported that 114 Finnish floorball insiders placed over 1,000 bets on the sport from 2021 to 2025.
- Investigators found that 10 individuals were responsible for 80% of the betting violations.
- No match-fixing was identified, but the investigation revealed significant gaps in insider information policies.
Scope of the Breach Revealed
A comprehensive investigation by the Finnish Sports Ethics Centre (SUEK) disclosed that between 2021 and 2025, a total of 114 participants in Finnish floorball – including players, coaches, managers, and officials – engaged in more than 1,000 bets related to their own sport. Notably, certain individuals wagered against their own teams, raising further integrity concerns.
SUEK presented its findings as “extensive and long-lasting” when the results were submitted to the Finnish Floorball Federation’s disciplinary department on October 2. These revelations come as Finland’s gambling reform efforts are delayed due to constitutional discussions, increasing pressure on authorities to reinforce sports betting oversight.
Concentration of Violations
Analysis uncovered that violations were highly concentrated, with just 10 people accounting for 80% of all infractions. This group was made up of more than just players, including managers, directors, assistant coaches, and guardians.
Among the notable cases was one player who placed 184 bets for a total exceeding €8,600. Another individual used both personal and a close contact’s betting accounts to wager what SUEK described as “a significant amount.” In several instances, bets were placed on participants’ own teams, exacerbating worries about the sport’s integrity.
| Number of Offenders | Time Period | Total Bets Placed | Share of Offenses by Top 10 | Largest Single-Player Bets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 114 | 2021-2025 | 1,000+ | 80% | 184 bets, €8,600+ |
Insider Information and Suspicious Betting Activity
The investigation raised additional red flags around possible misuse of insider information. In two separate matches, suspicious betting patterns came to light:
- During the 2024 World Cup match between Finland and Norway, there was an unusual spike in bets before team lineups were announced.
- In the Classic–SPV F-League semi-final, a press release about illness in the squad was distributed the night before, raising concerns that this information may have influenced betting behaviors.
SUEK conducted interviews with those involved, who denied disclosing insider details. However, SUEK acknowledged limitations in their investigative scope, as they could not access private communications or phone data. Ultimately, the Classic case was determined to be the result of “human error,” while no proof was found in the World Cup case.
No Evidence of Match-Fixing, Systemic Issues Remain
While match-fixing was not confirmed and law enforcement will not be contacted, the findings exposed shortcomings in rules regarding insider knowledge. In response, the Finnish Olympic Committee has initiated a broader review of sports disciplinary policies.
The Finnish Floorball Federation is now set to consider domestic penalties, while the International Floorball Federation may weigh action concerning World Cup matches.
Implications for Floorball’s Reputation
As a widely followed and fast-growing sport in Finland, floorball holds a special place in local communities. The scandal strikes at the heart of trust – both for fans and aspiring athletes. Concerns over fairness and sportsmanship now loom large, threatening the sport’s credibility and the faith of its supporters.
Broader Consequences and Regulatory Impact
The events in Finnish floorball underscore an ongoing challenge faced across sporting disciplines: ensuring the clear separation between participation and betting. With over one hundred individuals involved and years of violations documented, recovery may take substantial time and effort.
For regulatory bodies and clubs, the task is to restore integrity, address policy weaknesses, and reinforce the principle that sports are defined by competition, not wagering. The scandal also reopens debate over gambling regulation standards as Finnish policymakers work to balance reforms with the urgency of safeguarding sporting values.
As the floorball community navigates this moment, the central question persists: when threats emerge from within, how can trust in the game be genuinely protected?
- Author
Daniel Williams
