This is how the Swedish Professional Football Leagues (Svensk Elitfotboll, SEF) views and acts on current football-related matters:
Cooperation with Betting Companies
Swedish Professional Football Leagues has a long-standing tradition of cooperating with betting companies and believes that, together with our partner, we have the opportunity to influence the climate surrounding betting in football. Together with Unibet, SEF is committed to becoming a role model in the fight against gambling addiction and match-fixing. SEF and Unibet share strong alignment in their ambitions and a common mission. Both parties aim to take social responsibility, support sporting development and competitiveness, and promote responsible gambling behavior along with a responsible betting offering.
VAR (Video Assistant Referee)
Swedish Professional Football Leagues works to represent its members’ interests. SEF’s role has been to provide clubs with the most fact-based foundation possible for making decisions. Currently, a majority of SEF clubs, based on decisions at their annual general meetings, are opposed to introducing VAR in Swedish football. The formal decision to implement or not implement VAR lies with the Swedish Football Association (SvFF).
Pyrotechnics
The pyrotechnics used in football stadiums are illegal under Swedish law and the football regulations, and that is what we must adhere to. This is governed by Swedish legislation.
Security
Swedish Professional Football Leagues wants all events to be safe, secure, atmospheric, and welcoming, and works hard toward that goal. Disturbances or incidents at stadiums are rare, and in those cases, we do everything we can to prosecute the individuals responsible. In recent years, many stadium renovations have taken place to improve safety for visitors. According to fan surveys, 98% of football attendees say they feel safe at matches — we strive for 100%.
In general, SEF believes that the exclusion strategy remains the right path forward, and any efforts that support clubs in implementing this strategy are considered positive.
SEF works closely with the police and security personnel. Clubs also have their own staff on-site, primarily safety stewards. Every match is preceded by a risk assessment and meetings with police and security personnel. Visitors are searched at entrances, and every match is followed by an evaluation. Renovations are continually made to stadiums to improve safety, and we are actively developing camera technology to identify individuals who commit crimes in or around the stadiums.
The 51% Rule / Member Democracy
Swedish sports are based on the democratic principle of “one member – one vote.” Decisions are made through formal, documented, and transparent member processes. SEF values member democracy and therefore supports the 51% rule, which requires that at least 51% of a club is owned by its members.
Supporter Issues
Swedish Professional Football Leagues does everything it can to support the importance of supporters.
This includes:
- The 51% rule
- Preserving standing terraces
- Consulting on league planning
- Supporting away travel
- Regular reviews of relevant issues
- Implementing Supporter Liaison Officers (SLOs)
- Collaboration with the Swedish Football Supporters Union (SFSU)
SEF and SFSU have launched a unique joint initiative to take the next step in the development of Swedish elite football by creating the best supporter collaboration in Europe.
Artificial Turf
What type of playing surface a stadium can have is regulated by the Swedish Football Association’s competition rules. FIFA/UEFA and SvFF allow play on artificial turf if it meets the FIFA Quality Pro standard, which applies globally. It is up to each club to decide what surface their home ground should have. However, in most cases, the club does not own its stadium and thus has limited influence over the surface chosen by the stadium owner. Regardless, it must meet SvFF’s rules to be approved for matches in Allsvenskan and Superettan.
Supporter Liaison Officers (SLOs)
The SLO role is an important bridge between the club, supporters, and police. SLOs coordinate and manage supporter travel and presence during matches. Swedish SLOs are often recognized as a model example across Europe.
Fixture Schedule
The Swedish Football Association is responsible for the fixture schedule, but SEF is involved in the preparation process. Many factors affect the scheduling, and several stakeholders have input. The entire schedule is created and presented at once, but initially, only the early part of the season — typically up to the summer break — receives specific dates and kickoff times. This is partly because, around Christmas, it’s not yet known which four clubs will be qualifying for European competition, which heavily impacts scheduling. Once the Swedish Cup winner is decided, much of the autumn schedule can then be finalized.
Core Values
Swedish Professional Football League’s core values are driven internally by everyone working at SEF:
Professional
We always do our utmost, set high standards for ourselves and others. We respect and care for one another.
Open
We maintain an open and attentive approach, seeking dialogue and cooperation both internally and externally. We are transparent and sincere in our communication and actions.
Development-Oriented
We are a learning organization that constantly strives to improve ourselves and our methods, so that Swedish Professional Football Leagues remains at the forefront of sports and social development.