We assisted the Finnish Ice Hockey Players in a FCCA Investigation of the Finnish Ice Hockey Elite League

Huhtamäki Brothers assisted the Finnish Ice Hockey Players’ Association (the ”SJRY”) in filing a request for action in March 2024 to the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (the ”FCCA”) concerning restrictions on competition in the Finnish men’s elite hockey league. We assisted the SJRY throughout the FCCA's investigation.

On 2 July 2026, following years of investigation, the FCCA issued its decision confirming that company running the Finnish men’s elite hockey league, Jääkiekon SM‑Liiga Oy (the ”Liiga”) and the participating clubs had, as presented in our submission, engaged in unlawful restrictions of competition.

As a result of our request for action, the Liiga and the participating clubs revised their practices and have undertaken measures to eliminate the identified restrictions. From the 2027-2028 season onwards movement between the top two tier leagues in Finland will occur through direct promotion and relegation. The Liiga also made changes in its license policies. In light of these planned reforms, the FCCA decided to conclude its investigation.

This matter marks the second successful competition‑related case we have pursued on behalf of the SJRY in which the FCCA has found the Liiga’s conduct to be unlawful. We thank SJRY for its continued trust and excellent cooperation.

For more information, please see the FCCA’s press release.