For the first time ever, a Bandy World Cup will be organized with both ladies and gentlemen present at the same venue.
Åby/Tjureda north of Växjö will be the venue.
With the strong Russian teams suspended due to the war in Ukraine, a Ukrainian women's team will be playing instead.
- It's incredibly fun that we were able to row this in port.
It sends good signals not only to the bandy family but also to the outside world. It's a job we did together with the international bandy federation, says Gustafsson.
Don't know where the team is
What is known about the players and how they were able to prepare and where they are?
- The preparations have been so, of course.
We do what we can to support the Ukrainian Bandy Federation.
We do not have the details of where they are at the moment.
What does the support look like?
- We support in every way we can and do everything we can to get them in place.
The team's class is very far from the best, but in this context it is secondary, says Gustafsson.
The support is primarily about travel costs, accommodation and food costs.
"They are happy"
What do they say in Ukraine about them coming to Sweden and playing in the WC?
- They are happy and think it will be great fun that this hopefully ends and that we can help each other as best we can.
It's just joy, says Gustafsson.
Last year's World Cup finalist Norway will not start after a congressional decision this summer - before the new championship was put in place by a decision in December.
- We received that message with great disappointment, but it is what it is.
Even if it is bad for bandy in general, says Gustafsson and denies that the economy would have been a factor.
- Norway does not need any financial support, I can guarantee that.