GIF Sundsvall fires sport director Joel Cedergren amidst crisis. The team is last in Superettan with 9 points from 15 matches.
What happened?
GIF Sundsvall has conducted a review of its organization after the sports development during the season. After the evaluation and a joint dialogue between the club leadership and sport director Joel Cedergren, GIF Sundsvall has decided to terminate Joel's employment.
Why it matters for GIF Sundsvall?
GIF Sundsvall is last in Superettan with only 9 points from 15 matches. This makes it difficult for the club to find a new coach and improve its position in the table.
What comes next?
GIF Sundsvall has already announced that Per Joar Hansen will return to the club as the new coach. Additionally, former national team coach Lars Lagerbäck will be active as a consultant.
GIF Sundsvall is currently 16th in Superettan with 9 points, 3 wins, 0 draws, and 12 losses from 15 matches. They have a goal difference of -22 after scoring 12 goals and conceding 34. They are 21 points behind the leaders Varbergs BoIS FC. Their next match is at home against Helsingborg on August 15, 2026.
The club has been exposed to coup attempts, where a group within the club has tried to get rid of Cedergren and replace him with a manager. One of the reasons behind this is that they have had difficulty finding a replacement for coach Erol Ates, who was fired in May.
GIF Sundsvall wants to thank Joel for his engagement and work in the club and wishes him all the best in the future. Club chairman Karl Ståhl says: - We also want to express a big thank you to Joel for his engagement and work in GIF Sundsvall and wish him all the best in the future.
Cedergren was coach at GIF Sundsvall between 2013 and 2019. Four years later, he returned and has been active as sport director since 2024.
