– I am very optimistic about the situation and also about the final result, says SM league chairman Jyrki Seppä.
We live in exciting times in the SM league. The picture is from the match between HIFK and KalPa. Matti Raivio / AOP
SM-liiga oy makes the biggest decisions in its history during November. It will hold a general meeting on November 27, where decisions will be made, among other things, about the new series system.
There are also other big questions on the agenda, such as, for example, the distribution of income from the playoffs.
The presidents of the league clubs prepared matters for the general meeting and the decisions to be made there at the discussion meeting of the League shareholders on Thursday.
– The purpose was to map the shareholders’ positions on the series model presentations made by the league board and thereby find a consensus that we as the league board will be able to make the final presentation, SM league chairman Jyrki Seppä tells Iltalehte.
12+10 most popular
As for the series model, there are two options on the table: the A-league of 14 or 12 teams and also the B-league of 10 teams operated by the SM league.
– The event was very constructive, Seppä is happy.
– We were able to discuss many different issues and enough positions were found out. That’s all I can say, that of course we discussed things related to the serial format. Regarding the number of teams, I can draw such an interpretation that yes, the narrower series model 12 and 10 seems to get more support, Seppä reveals.
– Similarly, when we talk about moving between series, straight ups and downs get more support.
Jyrki Seppä, chairman of the board of SM-liiga oy, believes that a serial model solution is very close. Harri Hepojärvi
The players’ association SJRY rumbled earlier on Thursday that at least the 14+10 model should not come into question. According to it, 12+10 would be more functional, and the Association of League Clubs representing Mest also supports this model. It would narrow the gap between the levels and better keep the lower level viable as well.
The story will be completed in a moment.
From a business point of view, Joker’s place is in the League, and with these prospects, the possibility of a direct promotion coming next season could make it possible. Tomi Natri / AOP