Finland
HJK were once again the runaway champions, retaining their title by finishing 16 points ahead of second-placed RoPS. It was the Helsinki club’s eighth title in 10 years. In the second year of the new competition format, running from autumn to spring, Inter Turku beat holders HJK 1-0 in the Final in May. HJK go into the Champions League first qualifying round, with RoPS, KuPS and Inter Turku in the Europa League preliminaries.
Palloseura Kemi Kings were relegated, while TPS lost the play-off to second-tier KPV. HIFK, who were last season’s play-off losers, won automatic promotion to the top flight. The 21-year-old Brazilian striker Joao Klauss, on loan to HJK from Hoffenheim, finished as the league’s top scorer with 21 goals. He made a substantial impression on the league campaign but has now returned to his parent club in Germany. Mika Lehkosuo won another title with HJK and has agreed to stay on for at least another year. On loan from HJK, winger Lassi Lappalainen had an outstanding campaign for RoPS, contributing plenty of goals and assists. He will return to his parent club next season.