The Finnish Center for Sports Ethics (SUEK) investigation revealed that between 2021 and 2025, a total of 114 floorball players, coaches, managers, and club officials violated strict gambling regulations by betting on matches in their sport, with over 1000 betting instances. The investigation found that a minority of violators conducted most of the betting, with 10 individuals accounting for 80% of the total violations, and the highest single player bet exceeding 8600 euros. Although no evidence of match-fixing was found, the incident exposed regulatory loopholes and is sparking widespread discussion in Finnish sports circles about the protection of integrity.
Investigation Findings and Scale of Violations
A comprehensive investigation recently completed by the Finnish Center for Sports Ethics (SUEK) shows that from 2021 to 2025, 114 individuals associated with Finnish floorball violated gambling regulations by betting on matches in their sport.
These violators include players, coaches, managers, and club officials, with a total of over 1000 bets placed. Some bets were even placed on their own team's games, raising serious concerns about the fairness and integrity of sports.
Characteristics of Violations
Although more than a hundred individuals were involved, the investigation found that the betting behavior was highly concentrated, with about 80% of the bets made by 10 people. These core violators include sports directors, assistant coaches, team managers, and even guardians of players.
The most notable case involved a player who placed 184 bets totaling over 8600 euros. Another player is suspected of using personal and others' accounts for "massive gambling," but due to investigative limitations, the full scope of activities could not be fully confirmed.
Typical Cases and Betting Patterns
The investigation disclosed two notable cases. The first involved a 2024 World Cup match between Finland and Norway, where suspicious betting activity was detected by the Finnish state-owned betting operator Veikkaus before the official team lineup was announced.
The second case occurred during the semi-finals of the Finnish Football Super League, where a team disclosed lineup issues due to player illness the night before the match, potentially affecting the betting market, but ultimately deemed a "human error."
Insider Information Abuse Investigation
In addition to gambling violations, SUEK also reviewed two potential cases of insider information abuse. Investigators noted that they lacked the authority to review phone or text message records, which could have helped determine whether insider information was used.
Despite detecting suspicious patterns, there was insufficient evidence to confirm the existence of insider information trading. These investigations expose the current regulatory system's limitations and challenges in gathering evidence.
Regulatory Loopholes and Systemic Flaws
The investigation pointed out that although no evidence of match-fixing was found, the incident exposed concerning loopholes in regulation and discipline. These flaws have led to the biggest integrity crisis in Finnish floorball in years.
The Finnish Olympic Committee has since initiated a broader review of sports discipline policies, expected to drive improvements and reforms in the system to prevent similar incidents from occurring again.
Industry Response and Handling Process
Currently, the responsibility for disciplinary actions lies with the Finnish Floorball Federation, which will decide on the penalties for domestic matches. The International Floorball Federation may also handle matters related to the World Cup.
The Finnish Olympic Committee emphasized that the investigation found no signs of match manipulation, and the police are not expected to intervene. However, the scandal has prompted a reevaluation of the need to improve insider information management regulations.
Impact on the Sport's Reputation
Floorball has a strong foundation in Finland, known for its fast pace, ease of participation, and strong community impact. Traditionally, the sport has been characterized by family involvement and the nurturing of young athletes.
This scandal has severely damaged public confidence in the fairness of the matches, leading many to question whether the games truly uphold the spirit of sports. The trust crisis could resonate widely in Finland's fastest-growing team sport.
Social Context and Regulatory Discussion
The incident occurred against the backdrop of a broad debate on gambling regulation in Finland. Recent efforts to reform the Finnish gambling system have encountered constitutional obstacles, and this scandal has intensified calls for strengthened integrity protection across all sports.
The public and experts are calling for the establishment of more robust oversight mechanisms and stricter penalties to ensure the fairness and transparency of sports competitions, maintaining the trust of spectators and participants.
Future Outlook and Preventive Measures
The Finnish sports community is expected to use this incident as an opportunity to comprehensively strengthen the integrity protection system. Possible measures include enhancing education and training, improving monitoring mechanisms, and increasing penalties for violations.
International sports organizations may also take note of this case as a reference for improving global sports integrity protection. Preventing similar violations requires joint efforts from all parties.
