According to major media reports, FA Sápmi has participated in the Piteå Summer Games since 2016 but will not be allowed to compete in this year's edition. The competition management implemented new regulations this year that mandate all participating teams must have affiliation with FIFA or a school sports federation. The specific FIFA or school sports federation affiliation required has not been detailed.
Elin Nicolaisen, sports manager at FA Sápmi, described the decision as discriminatory, with people reportedly angry about the exclusion. It remains unknown whether other teams have been affected by this rule change. The official response from Piteå Summer Games regarding the discrimination allegations has not been provided.
The reason why Piteå Summer Games decided to tighten the rules this year has not been disclosed. Whether FA Sápmi will appeal or seek alternative participation options is currently unclear.