SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Svenska Spel has extended its partnership with the Swedish Sports Federation, Riksidrottsförbundet, with the agreement now expected to run until 31 December 2022.
The new agreement is reported to be worth SEK 42 million over the two year period, and will be effective from 1 January 2021. The duo will focus on securing funds for the country’s sports organisations as well as collaborating on match-fixing efforts.
Patrik Hofbauer, President and CEO of Svenska Spel, commented: “Sport is a fundamental part of our society. We are very pleased to continue our partnership with the National Sports Federation. Together we secure important funds for the sports movement.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Svenska Spel finances a full-time position at Riksidrottsförbundet with the aim of working preventively and training against match-fixing. Together, Svenska Spel and the Swedish Sports Federation operate a service where match-fixing information can be left anonymously.
Stefan Bergh, General Secretary of Riksidrottsförbundet, added: “It is gratifying that our important cooperation with Svenska Spel continues because it enables efforts to reach more people, counteract match-fixing, gives associations and associations the opportunity to continue to develop their activities in line with Strategy 2025 and last but not least increased opportunities to combine elite sport with studies.”
The lottery and the national sports federation also continue to facilitate active athletes to combine elite sports with post-secondary studies by awarding the Elite Sports Scholarship, a SEK 50,000 scholarship that is awarded each year to about 50 active athletes.
In addition, Svenska Spel will also continue to be the main sponsor of the annual winter and summer Swedish Championship weeks.
