Antti Boman, 51, is ending his long and distinguished career as a referee this season. Boman still had a desire to continue, but it didn’t matter. The league informed the referee last spring that the 2025-26 season would be his last due to his advanced age.

The league’s decision has sparked considerable discussion on social media. JYP forward Antti Tyrväinen has also weighed in on the matter.

– Absolutely incomprehensible. One of the league’s best referees, and they justify it by saying he’s too old. Nonsense, Tyrväinen writes.

Jukurit head coach Jonne Virtanen has also given the league some sharp feedback.

– Common sense, don’t leave!! This year, he has still managed (even at that age) to be one of the best, if not the best referee! Virtanen lashes out.

Boman has been awarded the Golden Whistle award eight times in a row, which is given to the league’s best referee based on players’ voting.

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