Christer Englund was a member of the International Hockey Association's (IIHF) Board of Directors in 2008-2016, but since then - despite the position as one of the world's best hockey countries - Sweden has not had any representative in the international hockey governing body.

But soon there may be a change in that. At the IIHF half-year congress, which is scheduled to be held in St. Petersburg in September, a handful of places are open for election, and the Swedish Ice Hockey Association has nominated their chairman Anders Larsson as a candidate.

- It would be very important to bring him there. This is where you create international influence, so it is extremely important that Sweden has representation there, says Peter Forsberg to SVT Sport.

How good opportunities do you think it is that Anders is elected?

- I rate them as very good, because I think you want to have Sweden. Sweden is a large hockey nation internationally, so you definitely want to have Sweden. Then it is very important that we have a suitable candidate, and we really have that in Anders. Both in age, in knowledge and with his background.

- I think that, as it seems right now, when we have been outside, I think that many countries think it is extremely important that we join the council.

Cooperation agreement with Hong Kong

In recent years, Anders Larsson has been present at many international events. This has resulted, among other things, in a cooperation agreement with the Hong Kong Ice Hockey Federation (whose chairman Thomas Wu is a member of the IIHF board). Peter Forsberg believes that international travel means a lot in the upcoming vote on board seats.

- It is important that you have an international business that works, not just with words, but that you have the ability to act and show that you can help. That's the case with these little nations. They need help, and if they get help, you often get a voice. Then we talk development work, they seek our knowledge, says Forsberg.

lobby Period

Larsson's lobbying has thus been intense in recent years.

- What it is about is being recognized and having "connection" with different countries. It is a lobbying period that you can go on, it is a bit like a presidential election, ”says Forsberg, who himself ran for office four years ago but then fell by just one vote.

- I fell against the Balkan countries, where I was not really right "connection". But it showed that you have to work very broadly to get these votes that are so incredibly important. Maybe I didn't, but Anders did. Some of that damage we have now worked in a different way and I think our chances are much better now, he says.

Peter Forsberg is not informed about which more people are nominated, but regardless of which he is, he is hopeful about Larsson's places.

- You want Sweden with us, we are a big nation after all.