The ongoing Pride controversy involving TPS player Veli-Matti Savinainen has intensified following his refusal to wear a Pride-themed jersey during a recent match. Savinainen cited his personal beliefs as the reason for not participating in the club's 'With Pride from Turku' themed event, opting instead to play in the team's standard uniform. This decision has sparked significant public debate and outcry, especially within political circles, as various stakeholders express their opinions on the matter.

Kirsi Mikkonen, the chair of the Turku branch of Setan, publicly criticized the TPS club for allowing Savinainen to play without the Pride jersey, suggesting that the player should have been barred from participation in the match against Ilves due to his refusal to comply with the Pride theme. Upon learning that the club, as an employer, was unable to intervene in the player's decision, Mikkonen also raised questions about the implications of existing regulations surrounding such situations. This controversy has significant visibility and raises concerns about inclusivity and representation within sports.

The issue further gained traction when Sofia Virta, a member of the Green League and a board member of TPS, shared a link on her official Facebook page to a column that condemned Savinainen's refusal to wear the Pride jersey. Her actions reflect the political and social ramifications within Finnish sports, as public figures engage in discourse surrounding LGBTQ+ rights and athlete representation. The broader implications of this incident highlight ongoing cultural tensions regarding traditional values and progressive movements in Finland and sports at large.