The International Floorball Federation announces a strengthening of its top executive management. Effective mid-June 2026, the IFF will divide its executive responsibilities into two key pillars. The aim of this change is to streamline the internal operations of the organization while radically strengthening floorball’s influence in the international sports arena.
Given the dynamic growth of floorball and the increasing demands of international diplomacy, the IFF Central Board has decided to evolve the current structure. The existing role of the Secretary General will be split into a strategic part focused on external relations and an operational part focused on the internal management of the federation.
John Liljelund, who has been at the helm of the IFF office for over 20 years, will focus his efforts on strengthening floorball on the international stage in his continuing role as Secretary General. In recent months, John Liljelund has been elected not only as Vice President of ARISF (Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations) but now also as Treasurer of the IWGA (International World Games Association). His priority will be consolidating floorball’s position internationally and leveraging the influence of the positions to which floorball nominated him. In addition to the international domain, John Liljelund will retain responsibility for strategic projects regarding TV rights sales, the development of coaching education, and the strategic development of floorball equipment and Floorball materials. He will also continue to be part of the general strategic floorball development as an ExCo member.
“Floorball is at a point where we need much more dedicated capacity to build relationships with key stakeholders in global sports. This change will allow me to utilize my years of experience where the future of floorball is decided,” states John Liljelund.
Zuzana Svobodová, who has served as a member of the IFF Central Board, has been appointed to the newly created position of Executive Director. Zuzana has been actively involved in the international floorball environment for many years. She previously served as Secretary General of the 2018 World Floorball Championships and played a key role in the successful establishment of the current IFF Floorball Fit For Future Development Program.
In her new role, Zuzana Svobodová will lead the day-to-day management of the IFF across key areas including human resources, finances, major events and communication with national federations. She will drive the organization’s overall development, with a strong focus on modernizing its internal structures and strengthening collaboration with member federations.
“I am deeply honored to take on this role at such an important moment for floorball. My ambition is not only to ensure that our operations and major events run smoothly, but to actively shape a modern, efficient, and forward-looking organisation that supports the growth of our member federations. To fully commit to this executive role and maintain transparent governance, I will be stepping down from my elected position on the Central Board prior to taking office,” says Zuzana Svobodová.
This transition is part of broader changes that began with the launch of a new committee system, which has engaged nearly 50 member federations. Dividing the executive leadership will allow the federation to respond to the challenges brought by higher ambitions formulated by the IFF Central Board.
The official handover of the agenda will take place on June 15, 2026, following the conclusion of the 3v3 World Floorball Championships.
“We have been intensively preparing this change at the Central Board level, and I fully believe that it will not only bring further advancement for floorball internationally but also more effective development for our member federations. I am convinced that John will be able to utilize his newly acquired positions to elevate floorball to a higher level. With Zuzana, I trust that her deep understanding of the needs of national federations and her process management skills are exactly the qualities the IFF needs to ensure efficient service for our movement,” adds IFF President Filip Suman regarding the changes.