A sweeping investigation has revealed that more than 100 individuals tied to Finnish floorball placed bets on matches within their own sport, in violation of strict gambling rules. The Finnish Sports Ethics Centre (SUEK) reported that between 2021 and 2025, 114 players, coaches, managers, and club officials collectively placed over 1,000 wagers. Some of these bets were even made against their own teams, raising serious concerns about fairness and integrity.

The findings, described as “extensive and long-lasting,” were presented on October 2 to the disciplinary arm of the Finnish Floorball Federation, according to Next.io. SUEK’s head of investigation, Jouko Ikonen, emphasized the seriousness of the matter, stating: “The large number of people who placed bets and the large number of bets placed indicate that the illegal activities have been extensive and long-lasting.”

While the investigation uncovered no evidence of match-fixing, the report pointed to alarming gaps in oversight and discipline, leaving Finnish floorball facing its largest integrity crisis in years.

A Handful of Offenders Accounted for Majority of Bets

Although more than a hundred individuals were implicated, investigators discovered that just 10 people were behind roughly 80% of the violations. These included not only players but also sports directors, assistant coaches, team managers, and even guardians.

One of the most striking cases involved a single player who placed 184 bets worth over €8,600. Another was suspected of using both his personal betting account and that of a close acquaintance to gamble “a significant amount,” though SUEK noted its investigative powers were too limited to fully confirm the scope of that activity.

The scale of betting shocked many within the sport, particularly because some wagers were made on matches involving the individuals’ own teams, raising uncomfortable questions about loyalty and sportsmanship.

Insider Information Suspicions Surface

Beyond the betting violations, SUEK also reviewed potential misuse of insider knowledge in two separate cases.

The first involved the Finland–Norway clash at the 2024 World Cup, when suspicious betting activity was detected by Veikkaus, Finland’s state-run betting operator, before team lineups were officially announced. Interviews with those involved yielded denials, but investigators admitted they lacked the authority to access phones or messages that might have clarified whether insider information was used.

The second case centered on a semi-final between Classic and SPV in Finland’s F-League. On the night before the match, Classic issued a members-only press release disclosing lineup difficulties due to illness. This early disclosure could have influenced betting markets, but SUEK ultimately classified it as “human error” rather than deliberate leaking.

Integrity Concerns but No Match-Fixing Evidence

SUEK stressed that its probe did not uncover any signs of match manipulation, meaning police involvement is not expected. However, the scandal has exposed shortcomings in regulations governing insider information. These gaps have prompted the Finnish Olympic Committee to launch a broader review of sports discipline policies.

Responsibility for disciplinary measures now rests with the Finnish Floorball Federation, which will determine sanctions for domestic competitions. The International Floorball Federation may also take up the World Cup-related aspects of the case.

A Blow to Trust in a Growing Sport

Floorball has developed deep roots in Finland, celebrated for its fast pace, accessibility, and strong community following. Families often pack arenas, and the sport enjoys a reputation as inclusive and inspiring for young athletes.

That reputation now faces a severe test. The scandal has undermined confidence in the fairness of competition, leaving many to question whether games have been played in the true spirit of sport. As one of Finland’s fastest-growing team games, the damage could resonate widely across clubs and communities.

The affair also ties into a broader national debate on gambling regulation. Finland’s efforts to overhaul its betting system have recently faced constitutional hurdles, and the scandal has increased calls for stronger integrity protections across all sports.