Helsingborg IF Annual Meeting: Karlsson Re-elected, Focus on Financial Stability and Supporter Unity

Helsingborg IF held its annual meeting at the Sea U hotel in Helsingborg, with Chairman Fredrik Karlsson re-elected for a fourth year. The meeting highlighted the club’s progress towards financial stability, a unanimous decision on transparency in player transfers and a call for supporter unity amidst internal divisions.

Key Outcomes of the Annual Meeting

• Attendance: 175 voting members participated, an increase from 140 in 2023. HIF has a total of 1450 voting members.
• Re-election of Fredrik Karlsson: Karlsson will continue as chairman for his fourth year in office.
• New Election Committee Chairman: Former club director and chairman Kjell Jakobsson will lead the election committee, succeeding Fredrik Storm.
• Board Changes: Andreas Hägg, a supporter profile and communications professional, joins the association’s board. Erik Kruse and Anette Melander Berg have stepped down.
• Transparency in Player Transfers: A unanimous decision was reached on a motion for increased transparency, following dialogue between the petitioner, Olof Möller, and the board.
• New Permanent Members: Ulrik Jansson, former player and HIF of the Year 2000, and Paul Myllenberg, former club director, were appointed as permanent members.

Financial Performance in 2025

Chairman Karlsson and club director Reda Chahrour reported on the association’s financial situation, emphasizing steps towards stability. The surplus for 2025 reached SEK 3.6 million, with total equity at SEK 6.6 million.

Here’s a breakdown of the 2025 financial results:

• Total Revenue: SEK 59.2 million (SEK 1.5 million over budget)
• Total Costs: SEK 67.4 million (SEK 10.9 million over budget)
• Operating Result: -SEK 8.2 million (SEK 9.4 million below budget)
• Transfer Netto: SEK 13.5 million (SEK 12.5 million over budget)
• Result After Depreciation, Interest, Tax and Transfer Netto: SEK 3.6 million (SEK 2.5 million over budget)

Debt Reduction

HIF has made progress in reducing its financial commitments. The debt to the Tax Agency has been reduced from SEK 5.4 million to SEK 2.8 million. The commitment to Nittonhundrasju AB stands at SEK 13.4 million, decreasing to SEK 11.2 million by the end of 2026. The debt to Olympia Invest remains at eleven million kroner, although the debt to HIF Support has been fully repaid.

The total financial commitment has decreased from SEK 31.1 million at the beginning of 2025 to an estimated SEK 24.8 million by the end of the year.

Budget for 2026

The annual meeting approved the budget for 2026, anticipating increases in audience and sponsor income, with staff costs remaining consistent with the previous year. The transfer net is budgeted at SEK 3.4 million, largely secured by the sale of Benjamin Örn to Randers. The budgeted surplus for 2026 is SEK 100,000.

Karlsson’s Closing Speech: Supporter Unity and Governance

In his closing speech, Chairman Karlsson addressed two key issues: the vulnerability of Swedish football associations to external influence and divisions within the supporter base regarding the use of drums at matches.

He emphasized the importance of increased member participation in annual meetings, noting that low attendance can exit associations susceptible to negative influence. Karlsson also suggested revising the association’s charter to require advance registration of candidates for board positions, enhancing the security of the annual meeting process.

Regarding the drum issue, Karlsson urged supporters to resolve their differences internally, emphasizing that supporter culture is built in the stands, not in conference rooms. He called for unity and encouraged supporters to demonstrate their passion for the club at Olympia.

Transparency in Player Transfers Compromise

Following discussions with Olof Möller, a compromise was reached regarding the motion on transparency in player transfers. The board agreed to strengthen member transparency and ensure that the handling of the association’s resources aligns with HIF’s core values, with a proposal to be presented at the next annual meeting.