The dispute over the future of Rally Sweden is intensifying. Six of the twelve regional associations of the Swedish Motorsport Federation (SBF) now demand a change of leadership and the federation's withdrawal from organising the WRC round. But Rally CEO Anna Nordkvist has no intention of giving up the event.
"Rally Sweden 2027 will of course take place as planned. We also hope that we will be given the opportunity to continue hosting Sweden's largest annual sporting event even after the expiry of our current contract with the WRC promoter," Nordkvist said.
She does, however, acknowledge the economic problems. Revenues have recently not been sufficient to cover the high operating costs. Organising an international winter rally is particularly complex. Added to this are increased costs resulting from global economic developments.
Umeå refuses further financial aid
How tense the situation actually is is shown by new research from Swedish Radio. Since the rally moved from Värmland to Umeå in 2022, the city and its municipal company have contributed the equivalent of around eight million euros in total to the financing. Nevertheless, the organiser has since asked for additional support.
The answer from Umeå was clear. Fredrik Lundberg, CEO of the municipal company Umeå Kommunföretag, said that only contractually agreed payments will be made. There will be no further funds.
For the 2025 financial year alone, Rally Sweden AB is said to have incurred a loss equivalent to around 1.5 million euros. In addition there is the allegation that funds already earmarked for 2027 were used to settle older liabilities. Nordkvist rejects this portrayal in its blanket form and points out that preparing a WRC round causes significant costs long before the actual event date.
Regional associations want to sell the rally
For six regional associations of the SBF the limit has now been reached. They are calling for an extraordinary general meeting at which the current federation leadership should be replaced.
Per-Erik Norbäck from the regional association Mittelnorrland criticises that significant motorsport funds have flowed into the rally for years. He says an association's task is to represent the interests of its members and should not itself assume economic risks as an organiser. For this reason the critics are in favour of handing Rally Sweden AB over to an independent operator.
Whether a sale will actually take place is still open. The Swedish Motorsport Federation is currently holding talks about future financing. Nordkvist meanwhile intends to stick to the current planning. From 18 to 21 February 2027 Rally Sweden is to take place as the second round of the World Championship around Umeå.
