Zurich and Helsinki, 27 March 2025 – The World Leagues Association (WLA) is pleased to welcome Veikkausliiga, Finland’s professional football league, as its newest member.
Established in 1990, Veikkausliiga consists of 12 clubs and plays a central role in the development of Finnish football. The league is recognized for its commitment to youth development and financial sustainability. With a passionate fan base and a growing international presence, Veikkausliiga continues to elevate the standard of professional football in Finland.
By joining the World Leagues Association, Veikkausliiga will actively participate in discussions on national football development and the governance of the game. This membership will foster closer cooperation with other professional leagues worldwide, enabling valuable exchanges of knowledge and best practices.
The agreement was formalized by Kaarlo Kankkunen, President of Veikkausliiga, and Don Garber, Vice-Chair of the World Leagues Association and Commissioner of Major League Soccer, during the European Leagues general Assembly in Frankfurt earlier this month.
Kaarlo Kankkunen, President of Veikkausliiga, emphasized the significance of this step:
"First of all, we would like to express our appreciation to the World Leagues Association and its leadership for their important work in strengthening professional football worldwide. National leagues are the foundation of football competitions, and it is crucial that we work together to ensure their sustainable growth and development.
By joining the WLA, Veikkausliiga is committed to collaborating with leading leagues globally to enhance the professional game. In an increasingly complex football ecosystem, it is vital that e.g. the international competition calendar supports and enables the well-being of national leagues and their clubs.
We care deeply about football, and we recognize the significant role WLA plays in shaping the future of our sport. We look forward to sharing knowledge, exchanging best practices, and contributing to the collective efforts to strengthen the game at all levels.”
Don Garber, Vice-Chair of the World Leagues Association and Commissioner of Major League Soccer welcomed the new member: "We are delighted to welcome Veikkausliiga to the World Leagues Association. Finland’s top league has shown remarkable dedication to structuring and strengthening professional football in Finland, and we look forward to working together to enhance the game both locally and globally."
