Qviding Faces IFK Gothenburg in Swedish Cup: Potential Venue Shift Under Review
A captivating Swedish Cup clash is on the horizon as Division Two side Qviding FIF prepares to face Allsvenskan giants IFK Gothenburg, with discussions underway regarding a potential relocation of the match from their home ground, Valhalla IP, to Gamla Ullevi.
Published July 8, 2025, the draw has ignited excitement within Qviding, though club officials remain realistic about their chances against the top-tier opposition. The second round match, scheduled for August 19-21, presents a significant opportunity for the smaller club.
A “Dream Draw” with Familiar Faces
Qviding’s club manager, Lasse Ternström, described the pairing as a “dream draw,” emphasizing the existing relationship between the two clubs. “We have a good relationship with IFK Gothenburg and have several players from Qviding who have gone to Blåvitt,” Ternström stated shortly after the draw. He specifically cited former players Tobias Sana, David Boo Wiklander, and current IFK Gothenburg sports manager Hannes Stiller as examples of the connection between the two organizations.
This connection extends beyond players, with Ternström noting a recent meeting with IFK Gothenburg’s club director, Håkan Mild, though regarding a separate matter. He highlighted the geographical proximity of the clubs and their shared participation in the women’s league as further evidence of their intertwined history.
Valhalla IP Capacity Concerns Spark Venue Discussion
Despite having home-field advantage, Qviding is exploring the possibility of moving the match to Gamla Ullevi, IFK Gothenburg’s home arena. The primary concern revolves around the limited capacity of Valhalla IP, which holds only 4,000 spectators.
“We have home ground, but we also want a talk with IFK about what they think about the issue,” Ternström explained. “If there is a great need, we can definitely imagine playing somewhere else than at Valhalla that is a little small.” He noted that Ullevi, with a capacity of over 26,000 as demonstrated during IFK Gothenburg’s quarterfinal match against Hammarby this spring, was likely too large for this particular contest. “Then you have to get up to almost 30,000 and in order to get there it would probably be required that I put on my shoes or something (laughter).”
Realistic Expectations, but a Determined Spirit
While acknowledging the significant challenge posed by IFK Gothenburg, Qviding is approaching the match with a determined spirit. “I don’t expect us to knock out IFK, I don’t, but you never know,” Ternström said. “It is just a match and for Blåvitt it is about having to have the right attitude – otherwise they will not run over us.”
The club recognizes the importance of the match, not only for prestige but also for potential financial benefits. “There is a lot that is at stake, but that is for both teams,” Ternström added. “If you go to group games you can get a lot of crowd-friendly teams that can attract a lot of audience, so it means a lot.”
Currently sixth in their Division Two series after 14 rounds, Qviding has experienced an inconsistent season. “It has been up and down this year and you might have wanted a little more stability and smoothness,” Ternström conceded. “But it is a smooth table and we are still involved.”
The upcoming Swedish Cup match against IFK Gothenburg represents a unique opportunity for Qviding FIF to showcase their talent and potentially upset a major opponent, all while navigating logistical considerations regarding the match venue.
