The Corona pandemic has caused financial difficulties for several Allsvenskan clubs.
During that period, Allsvenska AIK received state support to cover costs for short-term layoffs of staff.
But now they are forced to pay back the support of a total of just over SEK 5.8 million, writes AIK on its website.
The Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth considers that AIK's financial difficulties during the pandemic were not temporary and therefore demands that the sum be repaid.
- We are extremely surprised by the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth's decision.
There is no doubt that the pandemic, as well as the complete audience restrictions that were introduced in connection with this, caused great financial difficulties for AIK Football and for other football clubs, says Håkan Strandlund, AIK's CFO.
Tillväxtverket believes that the club was not qualified for support for short-term work.
AIK will appeal the decision.
- At the turn of the year 2019/2020, AIK Football reported cash of SEK 46 million and equity of more than SEK 64 million.
In light of the club's strong financial position before the pandemic, we obviously do not share the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth's assessment and will therefore appeal this decision.