Story Summary
HIFK have reportedly agreed a major multi-year commercial partnership with Åland-based gambling company Paf. The arrangement is said to be worth at least €700,000 to €800,000 per year to the Liiga club, an unusually large figure in Finnish sport.
Neither HIFK nor Paf confirmed the reported agreement. HIFK chief executive Ilkka Kortesluoma said the club would not comment on individual partnership information or speculation, adding that new agreements would be announced in due course. Paf communications manager Ludvig Winberg also declined to comment.
The reported deal depends on Paf receiving a licence under Finland’s planned new gambling system, which is due to begin in July 2027.
Key Facts
- HIFK are reportedly involved in a multi-year partnership agreement with Paf.
- The reported annual value to HIFK is at least €700,000 to €800,000.
- HIFK chief executive Ilkka Kortesluoma did not confirm the reported agreement.
- Paf communications manager Ludvig Winberg also declined to comment on the matter.
- The arrangement reportedly requires Paf to obtain a licence under Finland’s planned new gambling framework.
- Finland’s new gambling system is scheduled to take effect in July 2027, allowing licensed operators to work alongside Veikkaus.
IHM Discussion
The reported scale of the agreement would make it a significant commercial development for HIFK, but its status remains conditional rather than formally confirmed. The financial terms have been attributed to reports, while both organisations have chosen not to discuss the proposed partnership publicly.
Its timing is tied closely to a wider regulatory change. Finland’s planned licensing model would open the market to other approved gambling operators alongside Veikkaus, creating potential new sponsorship opportunities for clubs. In this case, however, the reported partnership cannot be treated as complete unless Paf secures the necessary licence.
Reports also said HIFK had initially considered an agreement with international operator Unibet before those talks broke down for unspecified reasons.
Why It Matters
A deal at the reported annual level would represent a substantial potential income stream for HIFK. It also illustrates how the proposed overhaul of Finland’s gambling market could alter the commercial landscape around Liiga clubs.
For now, the key distinction is between a reported agreement and a confirmed, active sponsorship. HIFK have not announced the partnership, Paf have not confirmed it, and the licence requirement remains a stated condition of implementation.
Mini Q&A
How much is the reported HIFK partnership worth?
The reported agreement is said to be worth at least €700,000 to €800,000 per year to HIFK.
Has HIFK confirmed the Paf agreement?
No. Chief executive Ilkka Kortesluoma declined to confirm details of individual partnerships or speculation.
What must happen before the reported deal can be implemented?
Paf must receive a licence under Finland’s planned new gambling system.
What Comes Next
The next concrete checkpoint is the planned introduction of Finland’s new gambling system in July 2027. Paf would need to obtain a licence under that framework before the reported HIFK agreement could proceed.