Finland's men lost 3-5 to Sweden in Sunday's World Championship final against Sweden. The Finnish women came fourth in the World Championship in Lidköping.
But Finland will not participate in next year's World Championship due to economic reasons.
It's a sad message. Finland is, on the men's side, in the absence of Russia, Sweden's major opponent. Finland is a major player and it will have an impact in many different ways, says the Swedish Bandy Federation's Secretary-General Pär Gustafsson to SVT Sport.
According to Gustafsson, however, Finland is open to playing since a fundraising campaign for the national teams has started. This makes the Swedish Federation stressed, as they are prepared to arrange the World Championship next year as well, but need a quick response from Finland regarding their participation.
Without both Russia, which is suspended due to the invasion of Ukraine, and Finland, it may be difficult for Sweden to arrange a full-scale championship.
It's burning a bit in the knuckles and we need to know quite soon. I think this lies on the International Bandy Federation, says Gustafsson.
