The clock is ticking for Solna, where the ultra-modern 50,000-seat stadium with a retractable roof is situated. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the PSG striker, has left his mark with 10 goals there, including a memorable performance against England. However, the initial shareholders who financed the construction, having invested over 3 billion crowns (more than 300 million euros), are now looking to sell their shares.
The Swedish Football Federation, initially holding 33.3%, sold 11.1% to insurer Folksam in October. They expressed their intention not to retain the initial share in the long term. Other shareholders, including real estate developer Fabege (22.8%), construction group Peab (17.2%), the City of Solna (16.7%), and public railway infrastructure manager Jernhusen (10.0%), may also exit with the right proposal.
The Friends Arena, a public-private partnership, has become a financial challenge with a complex arrangement. It operates at a loss, despite hosting matches of the Swedish national team and various events. Fabege reported a loss of 32 million crowns (3.7 million euros) over the first nine months of the year. Sweden Arena Management, the stadium operator, is expected to incur a loss of around 23 million euros in 2013. The financial situation has sparked controversy, with some arguing that the Football Federation bears the brunt of the losses without benefiting from real estate development around the stadium.
Moreover, Stockholm inaugurated the Tele2 Arena, a 30,000-seat stadium, in the same year as the Friends Arena, creating competition and posing financial challenges. The Friends Arena has faced difficulties in profitability, while the Tele2 Arena, with its fan-friendly regulations and focus on affordability, has become a more lucrative option. The changing dynamics and financial struggles raise questions about the future of the Friends Arena and its impact on Swedish football.
