80 Finnish floorball players suspended over betting scandal
The Finnish Centre for Integrity in Sports (SUEK) found widespread breaches of betting rules among players
Finland.- The Competition and Disciplinary Group (KKR) of the Finnish Floorball Federation has announced the suspension of 80 players amid a major betting scandal in the sport. Although investigators found no evidence of match-fixing, a probe by the Finnish Centre for Integrity in Sports (SUEK) uncovered widespread breaches of betting rules among players.
The investigation looked into alleged insider betting activity linked to two matches and violations of the ban on betting by players, coaches, and staff in Finland’s top-tier F-Liiga floorball league. Some 115 people were investigated in the probe.
Some seven cases were dismissed owing to the time elapsed, and 20 more were found to fall outside of the scope of the betting ban. The remaining 80 players received suspensions, with 73 banned from Finnish floorball for until January 28, 2026, five until February 28, one until March 31, and one until June 30. In five cases, investigations are still ongoing.
Not only F-Liiga players are affected. Sanctions also affect some players in the Inssi-Divar men’s league, lower divisions, and players who compete abroad. The names of the suspended players were not released after federation chairman Olli Rauste requested anonymity for those involved.
A separate inquiry will be held into the Finland–Norway World Championship match held on December 13 last year. The results of this are expected next year.
Veikkaus’s suspicious betting concerns
The scandal first emerged in June of this year when Finland’s state-owned monopoly gambling operator Veikkaus raised concerns about suspicious wagering patterns in the F-Liiga 2024–25 playoff between Classic and SPV and the Finland–Norway World Championship fixture. Some wagers were traced to accounts that had long been inactive, eventually leading Veikkaus to suspend betting on elite men’s floorball in September.
While there are no allegations of match fixing, F-Liiga CEO Kimmo Nurminen said the betting scandal had harmed the sport’s reputation.
“The federation strongly condemns the violations that have occurred, which have led to the most extensive penalties in the history of the sport,” he said.
He added: “The penalties handed to players and officials 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.”
Veikkaus’s director of risk management and security Mikko Lahti said: “According to investigations, prohibited betting in floorball has been extensive and systematic Now that the penalties have been handed out, it’s 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.
Finland’s gambling reforms
Veikkaus is currently preparing for competition as the government advances with plans to open licensing for regulated online gambling in Finland from 2027. Veikkaus will be split in two, with one company retaining the monopoly over lottery and retail betting.
Applications for five-year licences to offer online betting or casino are expected to open in early 2026. Operators will be taxed at 22 per cent of GGR. Licensees will only be allowed to use software supplied by approved B2B providers, however applications for these licences are expected to open until 2027, with full compliance expected by January 1 2028.
