Concerns Raised Over Abnormal Betting Patterns in Finnish Floorball
Recent developments in Finnish floorball have prompted urgent scrutiny regarding betting patterns, particularly surrounding two notable matches. The national gaming authority, Veikkaus, has identified suspicious betting activities, drawing attention to allegations involving players and officials placing wagers on games involving their own teams.
In a formal announcement this past Tuesday, Veikkaus reported their discovery of unusual betting behaviors linked to a December match between Finland and Norway during the 2024 Men’s World Championship, as well as a playoff encounter in the F-Liiga featuring Classic and SPV. Warnings have been issued to both the Finnish Floorball Federation (SSBL) and the league itself.
The match in December is particularly worrisome, as it appears that insider information may have influenced bets placed by several league players and officials—not just those on the national team. Veikkaus has taken these findings seriously, proceeding to alert appropriate authorities within the sport.
Additionally, the F-Liiga playoff match earlier this spring raised red flags, with individuals closely tied to the Classic team reportedly placing bets amid suggestions that some wagers came from accounts that had been dormant for extended periods.
High-Stakes Bets and Insider Leaks
The growing concerns stem from the observation that many bets exceeded typical amounts for such competitions. Mikko Lahti, Veikkaus’ Director of Security and Risk Management, stated that the volume and nature of the wagers indicate a potential leak of confidential lineup information from team insiders before it became public. He highlighted the troubling trend of individuals making extraordinary bets, even against their own teams.
Lahti clarified that there is no evidence to suggest that players directly involved in the matches or officials listed in the records engaged in betting themselves.
Widespread Violations of Betting Regulations
Alongside the highlighted matches, Veikkaus pointed to a larger issue involving players, officials, and associates with teams who have engaged in prohibited betting on league games over the past couple of seasons. One particular player attracted attention for wagering substantial sums, including tens of thousands of euros, during the last season and in previous years.
Further, concerns have been raised about a team official who placed bets, including those on their own team to lose, before official lineups were made public. Lahti emphasized the severity of these actions, calling for greater awareness regarding the ethical handling of insider information and adherence to betting regulations.
Acknowledgment and Response from the Sports Federation
Veikkaus has forwarded relevant information to the Finnish Sports Ethics Centre (SUEK) for further investigation. The SSBL and F-Liiga will also be conducting their inquiries into these allegations. Riku Tapio, Executive Director of the SSBL, expressed disappointment over the circumstances, affirming the federation’s commitment to investigate thoroughly and impose appropriate penalties.
"We are genuinely upset by these developments. Such actions are contrary to the ethical standards we uphold," Tapio remarked, emphasizing the federation’s resolve to prevent similar incidents in the future. With collaborative efforts alongside SUEK, the goal is to identify those responsible and ensure that the integrity of the sport remains intact.