In a significant move, Veikkaus has established a long-term partnership with the Finnish Floorball Federation, set to span until the Men's World Championships in 2026. As the primary partner for the upcoming championships, Veikkaus will play a vital role in the event scheduled to take place in Tampere from December 5 to December 13, 2026, culminating in the finals at the Nokia Arena, which can accommodate up to 15,000 spectators. This collaboration aims to bolster the visibility of floorball in Finland, especially as it gears up for this major international event.

Despite the excitement surrounding the partnership, it comes on the heels of serious controversies within the sport of floorball. Recently, the Finnish Floorball Federation has found itself embroiled in a betting scandal, where investigations revealed violations of betting rules and agreements in professional floorball. As a result, the federation imposed varying lengths of competition bans on approximately 80 individuals, highlighting the ongoing issues and the need for stringent measures to uphold the integrity of the sport.

Veikkaus's decision to partner with the Finnish Floorball Federation during this tumultuous time reflects a commitment to supporting the sport's growth, even amidst uncertainty. Reija Airas, Veikkaus's human resources and communications director, expressed hope that this partnership will eventually lead to success on the world championship stage. The collaboration aims to restore faith in the sport and indicates both Veikkaus's and the Federation's desire to move past recent controversies and focus on forthcoming opportunities.