Falu Kommun Uses Company Structure to Bypass Procurement Rules Ahead of 2027 Ski World Championships
Falu Kommun is utilizing a corporate structure where the municipality owns less than half of the organizing company for the upcoming World Ski Championships, a setup designed to bypass public procurement laws, Today’s ETC reported. Falun is scheduled to host the cross-country skiing events for the championships in February and March 2027.
Taxpayers Carry Financial Loss Risks While Procurement Rules Are Avoided
Under this arrangement, the municipality avoids the legal obligation to competitively procure goods and services for the major sporting event. At the same time, municipal taxpayers must shoulder 60 percent of any potential financial loss incurred by the venture, Today’s ETC reported. Sveriges Radio noted that the municipality employed the exact same criticized corporate setup when Falun hosted the World Championships for snart tolv år sen.
Olle Lundin, professor of administrative law, criticized the recurrence of the method. “It suggests a massive contempt for our democratic system,” Lundin told Sveriges Radio regarding the arrangement.
Ambassador Charlotte Kalla Prepares for the 2027 Home Championships
Amid the administrative debate, former elite skier Charlotte Kalla has been named an ambassador for the upcoming event in Falun. Kalla secured a memorable gold medal on home snow during the 2015 World Championships at Lugnet.
“Falun has and will always have a special place in my heart,” Kalla stated on Instagram, as reported by Swedish Women’s Magazine. “There, on the tracks at Lugnet, I have experienced some of my greatest moments as an athlete. Therefore, I am proud and glad to be one of Falun 2027’s ambassadors.”
SVT Misses Broadcast Rights for Upcoming Championships
The upcoming championships also face scrutiny over media access for viewers across Sweden. Expressen and other outlets reported that SVT missed out on the broadcast rights for the event, meaning many races risk ending up behind Viaplay’s paywall.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2027 Falun World Championships
Why does Falu Kommun own less than half of the organizing company?
Holding a minority stake allows the municipality to legally circumvent public procurement laws, meaning officials do not need to publicly tender contracts for goods and services purchased for the event, Sveriges Radio reported.
What financial liability do local taxpayers hold?
According to reports by Today’s ETC, local taxpayers are slated to cover 60 percent of any financial losses generated by the organizing company.
When will the World Ski Championships take place in Falun?
The cross-country skiing events are scheduled to run in februari och mars 2027 at the Lugnet venue Dagens ETC reported.