Finnkampen, the world's most classic athletics championship, which took place for the first time in 1925 and every year since 1950, is now resolved because of the corona pandemic.

A couple of months ago the joy message came that the competition will be held in Tampere in September. But now it doesn't feel as obvious.

The reason is the entry ban that applies to Swedes to Finland and which has just been extended. The ban applies to everyone unless you have special work or family-related reasons for visiting the country.

Sami Itani is pessimistic when it comes to the chance to organize a international match between Finland and Sweden this year.

- There are many question marks right now, he says. We have been very active and have a good contact with the Finnish government. But they have been clear in not allowing any exceptions to the rules. We have not succeeded in making them change, he says to Radio Sports.

Many afraid

Itani is also a bit skeptical of public opinion in Finland, and the fear that many in Finland feel about the difference in how countries have been affected by Covid 19.

Swedish Confederate Captain Karin Torneklint also does not know what it will be like, but she hopes for the best.

- The Finnish association works hard to enable us to carry out the competition, and also with a lot of audience. I hope they ease the rules for September, because it is quite a long way off, she says to Radio Sports.

CLIP: Double Swedish Finn Championship record - double Swedish wins (August 25, 2019)

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