The unique position of Allsvenskan in European football
In recent years, Swedish football has become increasingly distinctive compared to many other comparable leagues around Europe. Swedes tend to embrace the new and modern in most areas, but in football, Sweden stands out for the exact opposite. The Allsvenskan has become unique by resisting change, which has allowed Swedish football to offer something different.
Interest in Swedish football continues to grow
Allsvenskan and Superettan can hardly match the level of play shown in the bigger and richer leagues in Europe; even Denmark has overtaken Sweden in several areas of football. But despite this, interest in Swedish football continues to grow, both in terms of media and spectators.
Following the pandemic, several records have been broken with rising attendance figures, as more and more Swedes choose to attend matches. The increased interest is reflected in the stadiums, in media reporting and in betting, where many of the best betting sites turn over large sums at Allsvenskan matches. In a football world where much revolves around the biggest and richest clubs, Sweden is breaking the pattern.
51 per cent rule
The famous 51 per cent rule is an important ingredient that many Swedish supporters cherish. Sweden is not unique in having the 51 per cent rule, as both Norway and Germany also have it, but 51 per cent rule for the ownership of clubs has become part of the identity of Swedish football.
The fact that Swedish football clubs are member-owned makes it somewhat more difficult to compete in Europe, but it also ensures that the members always have some control over how the club is governed. Among other things, it is through member democracy that changes such as VAR have been stopped in Sweden.
The VAR issue has taken on a symbolic meaning
That Sweden does not use VAR has become a hotly debated topic, as they are relatively alone in Europe in doing so. It has also become an important symbolic issue for many supporters. The lack of video review in goal and offside situations has made the Allsvenskan really stand out, which has also made some headlines internationally.
It has quickly become part of the Allsvenskan's distinctive character that many are keen to retain. The instant goal celebration without minutes of waiting for VAR reviews has meant that Sweden has become a showcase for what football used to look like.
The contrasts in the Allsvenskan are stark
The country's big clubs from cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö have world-class supporters who often try to lift their team with songs and fantastic tifos. The Swedish stadium culture is something that many people are proud of and the soundscape at Allsvenskan matches can be amazing to take part in.
But an equally large part of the charm of the Allsvenskan can be found in the contrasts between the clubs. At the same time as a Stockholm derby is being played with powerful tifos and a packed national arena, a match can be played elsewhere in a mill town where a few thousand people in the stands are stuffing their faces with hot dogs in a generally cosy atmosphere. The same contrasts cannot be found in a league like the Premier League or Serie A.
Spring to autumn playing season
The fact that the Allsvenskan and Superettan are played from spring to autumn is another reason why the league really stands out in comparison to many other leagues. From a practical point of view, it would have been very difficult to play during the winter months, but a country like Denmark has changed this to be in line with the rest of the European leagues.
Although it can get a bit messy with a big transfer window during the summer, when the rest of Europe is on holiday, Swedish summer has become synonymous with Swedish football for many. It also attracts those who mainly follow foreign leagues to give the domestic league a chance, when there is no other football to follow.
