The historic first International Short Bandy Tournament was held in Porrentruy, Switzerland on Saturday and Sunday, 12-13 September. Then a new chapter in the development of international bandy was written with the successful conclusion of the 2026 Short Bandy Swiss Cup, the first-ever international Short Bandy tournament for clubs.
Photo: Steph Wenker
Held over two days, the historic event brought together six clubs from Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland, providing the first opportunity to test the newly introduced Short Bandy concept, rules and competition format in an international tournament environment.
More than a competition. The Swiss Cup was an important practical test for the development of the new discipline. Players, referees, coaches and officials had the opportunity to experience the rules and format in competitive conditions and to identify areas that may require further clarification or improvement.
Nijmegen Capitals take historic first title
The Nijmegen Capitals (Netherlands) claimed the inaugural Short Bandy Swiss Cup title following an impressive performance throughout the tournament.
EC Mainzer Woelfe (Germany) finished second, while Rinkball Dübendorf (Switzerland) completed the podium in third place. Congratulations go to all six participating teams for contributing to this important first international Short Bandy event.
Photo: Steph Wenker
Referee seminar opens the tournament
An important part of the programme took place already on the first day, when a referee introductory seminar was organised to prepare the officials for the new discipline. The seminar was conducted by Kristian Marosi, FIB Technical Committee member, who introduced the Short Bandy rules and explained the main differences between Short Bandy and traditional bandy.
The session provided an important common understanding of the rules before the competition began and allowed referees to discuss practical aspects of applying the new regulations during matches.
Evaluation and discussion on the future of Short Bandy
The second day also included a dedicated evaluation meeting on the Swiss Cup, hosted by the Swiss Bandy Federation and attended by representatives involved in the tournament. The discussion covered the tournament format and practical experience gained during the competition, but also developed into a broader exchange on the future of Short Bandy, including its rules, development, potential competitions and possible next steps.
The meeting was attended by Attila Adamfi, FIB General Secretary; Mikhail Entaltsev, FIB Executive Committee member and Chair of the Education and Development Committee; Kristian Marosi, FIB Technical Committee member; Michael Bratt, Education and Development Committee member; and Athletes Committee members Gian Luca Beeler and Jordan Braam.
The discussions highlighted the importance of continuing to develop Short Bandy in close cooperation with athletes, referees, officials and national federations.
Feedback to support further development
As the first international competition of its kind, the Swiss Cup provided valuable practical experience that will contribute to the further development of the discipline.
Following the event, feedback will be collected through a survey involving athletes, referees and officials. Their experiences and recommendations will be carefully evaluated and taken into consideration when reviewing the Short Bandy format and regulations.
This process may lead to improvements and, where appropriate, clarifications or amendments to the rules, as well as further development of the competition format and organisation of future international Short Bandy events.
The approach reflects FIB’s commitment to developing the discipline through practical experience and structured consultation with those directly involved.
Thanks to the Swiss host
Thierry Page, Switzerland and Jordan Braam, the Netherlands
FIB extends its sincere thanks to the Swiss Bandy Federation and everyone who contributed to the successful organisation of this historic event.
Special appreciation goes to Thierry Page for his significant work in hosting and organising the Swiss Cup, and to Jordan Braam from the Netherlands for his valuable support and contribution to the event. Thanks also go to all participating teams, athletes, referees, officials and volunteers whose commitment helped make the first international Short Bandy tournament a success.
The 2026 Short Bandy Swiss Cup has provided an important foundation for the next stage of the discipline’s development.
From the first face-off in Porrentruy, Short Bandy has taken an important step from concept and rules on paper to international competition on the ice.
Photo: Steph Wenker