The Finnish Electronic Sports Federation (SEUL), which has provided support for youth esports in the country since its establishment in 2010, was unable to secure general funding from the Ministry of Education and Culture for 2026. The funding, which has been crucial for the organization's operational capabilities, totaled €81,300 in 2025. The denial came as a surprise to SEUL, whose activities have centered around promoting and developing competitive gaming in Finland, especially among young players.

The Ministry justified its decision by claiming that SEUL's focus has shifted too much towards competitive and recreational aspects of a particular sport, thereby resembling more of a sports federation than a youth organization. This led to the conclusion that SEUL's activities no longer hold significant value or impact on youth work, which impacted the ministry’s decision to withdraw funding. Officials highlighted the need for youth-targeted projects with demonstrable benefits to justify the allocation of public funds.

With this unexpected denial, SEUL faces challenges in maintaining its programs aimed at young gamers, as the absence of clear administrative support could hinder the growth of one of the youth's most popular activities. This situation raises concerns about the prioritizing of funding and resources within the Finnish youth sports landscape, as it may impact young people's engagement in esports and their opportunities for progression within the sport.