The Finnish Floorball Federation Competition and Disciplinary Group (KKR) has banned 80 players over their part in a suspicious betting scandal, although an investigation into the matter ruled out match-fixing within the sport in Finland.
This week, the federation published findings from the Finnish Centre for Integrity in Sports (SUEK). The investigation focused on insider trading on two matches, as well as violations of a betting ban, where players, coaches and team staff are prohibited from betting on games in the country’s top-tier F-Liiga.
Some 115 individuals were examined during the study. Seven cases were dismissed due to exceeding specific time limits, while 20 were cleared as they did not fall within the scope of betting ban rules.
For the 80 who were banned, this came into effect on 3 December. Some 73 were banned from competing until 28 January 2026 and five until 28 February 2026. Another individual was banned until 31 March next year and one through to 30 June 2026. Investigations into five other individuals remain ongoing.
Bans will cover competing in both the F-Liiga and Inssi-Divar men’s leagues. It also applies to individuals currently playing in the federation’s lower leagues and abroad.
It was also noted that the SUEK will carry out an additional investigation on the men’s World Championship match between Finland and Norway, which took place on 13 December 2024. This will not be completed until next year.
Banned players to remain anonymous
Despite confirming the bans, the national federation elected not to publish the names of those being suspended. This came following a request from its chairman, Olli Rauste.
“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,” the federation said. “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.”
In addition, the SUEK investigation found no evidence of manipulation or match-fixing with any of the individuals. As such, the bans relate entirely to breaches of betting rules.
‘Significant reputational damage’ to floorball
Publishing F-Liiga’s opinion on the case, CEO Kimmo Nurminen said steps will be taken to ensure further breaches do not occur. However, Nurminen also said the investigation has brought “significant reputational damage” to floorball as a sport.
“The federation strongly condemns the violations that have occurred, which have led to the most extensive penalties in the history of the sport,” Nurminen said. “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,” he concluded.
Veikkaus urges ‘clean slate’ for Finnish floorball
The case only came to light in June this year when Veikkaus raised concerns over incidents of suspicious betting on floorball. This related to the F-Liiga 2024-25 playoff between Classic and SPV, as well as the Finland-Norway 2024 Men’s World Championship match that faces further scrutiny.
At the time, Veikkaus said bets placed were far higher than standard wagers on these games. It also noted that some of these bets came from accounts that had been inactive for some time.
In mid-September, Veikkaus announced it was to halt bets on elite men’s floorball in Finland following the discovery of betting rule violations. It said it would not take further bets until after the SUEK investigation ended and disciplinary action was taken.
Mikko Lahti, director of risk management and security at Veikkaus, said he welcomed the decision. He said the operator would not seek further police action over the matter and instead called for a “clean slate” for Finnish floorball.
“According to investigations, the prohibited betting in floorball has been extensive and systematic,” Lahti said. “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.”
Bans will vary in length, with some players not able to return to the sport until March and June next year.