Appeal Seeks to Annul Tampere's Agreement to Host 2026 Floorball World Championships

An appeal has been filed, according to local paper Tamperelainen, to annul the cooperation agreement between the City of Tampere and the Finnish Floorball Federation to stage the 2026 men's World Championships on 5–12 December.

The appeal argues the pact could amount to an indirect subsidy and possibly unlawful state aid. It also questions the sufficiency of cost calculations, responsibility allocations, the claimed benefits and potential conflicts of interest. Group CEO Juha Yli-Rajala signed the event cooperation decision on 18 June. Another outlet, Aamulehti, identified the appellant as a serial complainant from Tampere who has lodged more than a hundred complaints.

Tampere rejects the claims, saying the decision follows its strategy and mayoral programme that emphasise events and the experience economy. The city says the contract is reciprocal and notes the Finnish Floorball Federation's exclusive right to organise the tournament in Finland, adding that the arrangement does not distort competition or affect trade between member states. The federation will have overall responsibility for the event, and costs and liabilities are specified in the agreement and its appendices.

Most tickets are planned for local groups such as students, basic education pupils and social welfare clients. VIP and box tickets will be used for advocacy with regional businesses and clubs rather than internal staff events. The city board will consider the appeal on 10 August, and the administration recommends rejecting it.