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VAR and Saudi Arabia – the questions that brought down Reinfeldt

The criticism of the work environment at the association, the controversial VAR statement, and the support for Saudi Arabia's World Championship bid. Here are the schisms that brought down Fredrik Reinfeldt, who has announced that he will not stand for re-election in the presidential election of the Swedish Football Association.

» Published: February 13 2025

VAR and Saudi Arabia – the questions that brought down Reinfeldt
Photo: Johan Nilsson/TT

+ Internal criticism

It didn't take long before dissatisfaction began to seep out after Fredrik Reinfeldt took over as chairman in the spring of 2023.

Just a year later, it was revealed, following investigations by Offside, Aftonbladet, and TV4's Football Channel, that there had been strong internal criticism within the association against Reinfeldt, as well as the new general secretary Andrea Möllerberg.

Parts of the criticism were based on the reorganization that was carried out in connection with Reinfeldt's appointment, and several high-profile individuals testified to a significantly deteriorated work environment.

In January, Möllerberg was fired.

+ VAR controversy

Earlier, Reinfeldt had opened the door to VAR technology in Swedish elite football. Something that was not well received.

VAR is our future, but I want us to see it as much together as possible, because you never fully agree, he said to SVT.

The stance was met with strong criticism. Among other things, Hammarby decided at its annual meeting in March 2024 that the club would work to remove Reinfeldt.

Later, he also backed down on the hot issue.

If I've counted correctly, we have 18 elite clubs and two districts that have said they don't want to introduce VAR. We respect that. Therefore, we didn't put forward a proposal for VAR at the previous representative meeting, and I don't see it happening in the future either, he said to Aftonbladet.

+ Supported Saudi – Asllani critical

When it was to be decided whether Saudi Arabia would be allowed to host the men's World Championship in 2034, many thought that Sweden should vote no.

But the association's board, with Reinfeldt at the helm, didn't think so, and voted yes.

I met the Saudi delegation and said that I understand that we have differences in views on governance and also partly on human rights and freedoms, he said.

We have particularly emphasized the importance of them respecting same-sex couples' right to come and participate in the festivities. In all these issues, Saudi Arabia answered that they will respect them.

Among others, national team star Kosovare Asllani was critical.

Firstly, it's very strange that there's only one country to vote for. Then we have different opinions about where it should be held, Asllani said.

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By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

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