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Linköping FC Makes Historic Investment in Men's Football Team Amid Women's Team Struggles

Linköping FC announces plans to establish a men's team despite ongoing struggles in women's football.

Key Points

  • • Linköping FC is facing relegation in women's football with only one win in 14 matches.
  • • The club is transitioning to a 'double club' with both men's and women's teams.
  • • Preparations are underway for a youth boys' program to support the senior men's team.
  • • CEO Erik Nordqvist emphasizes the goal of a sustainable future for all genders in football.

Linköping FC, currently facing relegation risks in the Damallsvenskan with only one win in 14 matches, has taken a bold step by announcing plans to establish a men's football team. This initiative aims to transform Linköping FC into a 'double club', with a commitment to developing both men’s and women’s football.

Club CEO Erik Nordqvist expressed optimism about the prospects for the future, stating, "We want to build something sustainable for the future, where both girls and boys, women and men can develop and represent Linköping FC." As part of this strategy, preparations for an elite youth boys' program have already commenced, which will serve as the foundation for a senior men's team in the coming seasons.

Despite the challenges posed by their struggling women's team, Nordqvist assured that the investment would not be impacted by any potential relegation, affirming, "We will work our way up and take LFC back to its former glory." The long-term vision includes positioning the new men's team to compete in higher leagues, such as Superettan or Allsvenskan. Peter Myrgård, a key figure behind the initiative alongside former hockey star Mattias Weinhandl, indicated a preference for acquiring an existing men's team from lower divisions to expedite their expansion plans.

This strategic decision highlights Linköping FC's ambition to foster a robust and inclusive football community, paving the way for a future where both men's and women's football thrive in the region.