The article addresses the backlash over the Finnish government's decision to award training and coaching grants to athletes early in the year, which has stirred significant public debate. Notably, squash star Emilia Soini made headlines with her criticism of the selections made by Minister Mika Poutala, pointing out that the criteria had been strictly adhered to by the minister. Amid these controversies, several athletes, including Lotta Harala and Reetta Hurske, received no support at all, raising questions about the fairness of the distribution of funds.

Among the awarded grants, motorcycle racer Rico Salmela, at just 18 years old, received financial assistance, which he seems grateful for, stating that the support indicates progress in his career. Along with fellow racer Tuukka Tapos, he was granted a smaller sum of €12,000, which is tax-free. Salmela plans to use the funds primarily for living expenses and training in Spain, where he spends most of his time on the racing track rather than at home.

This controversy particularly highlights the disparities in how government support is allocated among different sports and raises broader discussions on the criteria used to determine who receives assistance. Salmela's situation exemplifies the mixed feelings surrounding state funding for athletes, sometimes favoring those in less conventional sports like motorcycle racing over more traditional sports, leading to ongoing discussions about sports funding in Finland.