The Swedish sports confederation’s management and navigation through the COVID-19 pandemic

This study explores the Swedish Sports Confederation’s (RF) response to the COVID-19 pandemic, offering actionable insights into crisis management strategies. RF reshaped priorities and practices across the Swedish sports ecosystem by introducing a new institutional logic centred on infection control and emphasising the health-promotive role of sports. Using semi-structured interviews with 13 governing representatives, the research highlights RF’s initial decisions, adaptive strategies and the challenges of managing an unprecedented crisis. The pandemic caused significant disruptions, including activity declines and volunteer losses, yet also intensified conflicts and communication within the Swedish sports movement. RF demonstrated resilience and adaptability, employing infodemic management to balance public health mandates with organisational cohesion. This study underscores the importance of strategic internal and external negotiations in navigating complex crises, revealing how RF safeguarded societal interests while prioritising members’ well-being and setting a precedent for future crisis preparedness.