With the spread of the corona virus, the Swedish Ice Hockey Association decided to cancel both the qualifying and the final games. Several clubs, including Malmö, lost several million SEK in revenue.
- We lose between a couple of million and up to ten million, depending on how far we had gone. It's quite a lot of money, says Patrik Sylvegård, CEO of Malmlö Redhawks, to SVT Sport and continues:
- Thankfully we didn't budget with any playoffs. After 26 home and away matches, we will make a few million plus this year. We are very pleased with that.
"I'm really worried"With the clubs' lost revenue, the Swedish Ice Hockey Association is now reviewing the licensing rules which contain a capital requirement. Something that the Malmö Redhawks think is good.
- We thought we passed the requirement last year and according to our books we had SEK 15 million in equity. But as it looks, we will do this on our own. I now find it difficult to see that the licensing board can set the requirements for the clubs. We get to see, and adjust to the requirements.
Do you feel any concern for the future?
- Of course, I'm really worried. If we look at what society looks like today with layoffs, the uncertainty is enormous. Obviously this is going to hit hard on the sport. What I think is worst for me as a responsible person is the uncertainty. Should we build a team for 10, 20 or 40 million? It is really difficult. Therefore, together with the clubs, SHL has made a couple of wise decisions where to apply the handbrake.