According to media reports, the major clubs of the ice hockey SM league are dissatisfied with the league and license system.
– This will certainly condense and increase the already dense, good discussion even more. This is not a question of disputes, the CEO of the Norwegian Hockey League Mikko Pulkkinen says about the commotion surrounding the SM league in recent days.
Häme Sanomat and Evening newspaper reported last week that the clubs questioning the league system and the license system sent a letter to the SM League under the leadership of Tappara. According to Urheilu’s information, the SM league and chairman are involved Heikki Hiltunen six clubs are questioning the guidelines.
Pulkkinen tells Urheilu that the letter was addressed to the government. The clubs wanted more information on competition law issues and everything related to the license and series systems.
– There were demands and expectations that things would be resolved and they have already been resolved. We have used external experts and will continue to use them so that we can make good and responsible decisions.
What things have you clarified?
– There has been a lot of talk about the league share and the system by which you can apply to the league and get to play. Of course, competition law questions are part of that, says Pulkkinen.
According to the CEO, the letter did not come as a surprise. He reminds that the SM league is undergoing a big change, and change is always accompanied by uncertainty and a lot of questions.
– The change requires answers to many questions that may not have had to be addressed before. In that sense, I don’t find it surprising that a club would ask for more information if they have concerns. Of course, our job is to get them answers. Then we will be able to make responsible, reasonable and good decisions.
What does the SM League think about this major clubs’ dissatisfaction with the league and license system?
– Of course, in such a big environment, with different clubs, conditions and regional factors, there are of course also different interests. I think you have to understand that different clubs look at things from different points of view. It causes debate and discussion, which I think is healthy. I believe that such a discussion will produce good results.
Pulkkinen sees that the letter increases and condenses the discussion with the clubs.
– There are different views here, which we are trying to resolve. We will certainly continue to have a close discussion and with the help of external reports we will get additional information and we can move forward.
SM-liiga directed the questions about the league share and license to the chairman of the board Heikki Hiltuse.