Sweden withdraws from IFAF 2026–2027 Men’s European Championship due to funding cuts

The SWE3 Federation has announced that Sweden will not participate in the IFAF 2026–2027 Men’s European American Football Championship, citing severe financial constraints that have forced a restructuring of national team priorities.

Financial pressures force tough choice

The decision stems primarily from a dramatic reduction in financial support. The Swedish Sports Federation has cut its operating support for elite sports within SWE3 from SEK 270,000 to SEK 0 for 2026. This total loss of funding makes it impossible to sustain all national team programs—including the Youth Development Team, Junior, Men’s, and Women’s National Teams—at their current level. With resources already limited, the federation faced a difficult decision about where to allocate remaining funds.

Men’s team steps back temporarily

While Sweden will not take part in the upcoming European Championship tournament, which features group games in 2026 and placement games in 2027, this does not mean the men’s national team will be completely inactive. The federation emphasizes that the withdrawal is specific to this competition and this cycle. The decision was made in consultation with the federation’s football management group, Superserien associations, and sports schools conducting RIG/NIU activities.

Other teams remain unaffected—for now

The withdrawal applies only to the men’s senior team. The Women’s National Team and Youth Development National Team are not currently affected, and discussions about Junior National Team participation in other European Championship events are ongoing. The move reflects a strategic shift to protect the long-term development of American football in Sweden amid challenging financial realities.