The Federation of International Bandy -FIB- announced on 30 March in Karlstad that Medal Group GmbH has joined as an official sponsor, in an agreement linked to support for the 2026 World Championships. According to the federation, the sponsorship supports the organisation of the championship across its two main settings, with Group A in Pori, Finland, and Group B in Uppsala, Sweden.

The FIB itself said the partnership will contribute to the organisation and delivery of two of its main international events, with the aim of maintaining the championship’s standards. In that context, FIB president Henrik Nilsson said: “We are very happy to welcome Medal Group among our partners.”

A boost to keep driving World Bandy forward

In his statement, Henrik Nilsson added that the sponsorship represents “an important step in strengthening the commercial and operational foundation of international bandy”. He also said it had been “a great pleasure” to welcome representatives of Medal Group at both world championships and to discuss “how to continue growing this sport” with their valuable contribution.

On the company’s side, chief executive Andreas Schneider described the agreement as “an important partnership with the FIB” and stressed that Medal Group is “pleased to support the 2026 World Championships and to contribute to the development of bandy at the international level”. In the same statement, he added: “The atmosphere of the tournaments, the level of play, and the engagement of participants make this project truly special for us.”

The FIB adds institutional backing and international profile

Medal Group’s profile also brings an international business dimension to the agreement. The company, founded in Germany more than 50 years ago, operates in real estate development, construction, property management and the hospitality sector, and since 2023 has worked through an international structure integrating subsidiaries in Germany, Kazakhstan, Moldova and other jurisdictions. The FIB is therefore bringing it in as a partner at a time of sustained activity across its global calendar.

The federation, founded in 1955 and recognised by the International Olympic Committee -IOC-, places this agreement within its broader work to promote and develop bandy internationally. In the words of Andreas Schneider, Medal Group sees “strong potential in this sport” and hopes “to work together with the FIB” to support “its further growth and promotion”.

Pori and Uppsala, two host cities for the 2026 championship

The FIB statement places the sponsorship within the structure of a 2026 World Championships programme split between two venues. Pori hosted Group A, while Uppsala staged Group B, in a model that allowed the federation to spread its championship across two settings and two competitive levels within the same season.

In that context, Pori closed the championship with double gold for Sweden in the men’s and women’s competitions, while Uppsala also hosted the end of the international season with three youth world championships at the same venue, again with Sweden crowned champion in Women 17, Men 17 and Men 19. That recent path provides the backdrop to a sponsorship that the FIB itself presents as support for the continuity and growth of World Bandy.