vierasotteluineen

**vierasotteluineen** refers to a Finnish term used in the context of sports, particularly in ice hockey, to describe a player who participates in a game as a substitute or "guest player" (*vieras* meaning "guest" and *sottelu* meaning "game"). The phrase is often used in the context of a player from one team temporarily joining another team for a single match, typically due to injuries or other unforeseen circumstances.

In Finnish ice hockey, the term gained prominence during the 2018–19 SM-liiga season when several players from the same team were involved in such arrangements. This practice raised discussions about fairness, player availability, and the integrity of competitive balance in the league. Critics argued that it could create an uneven playing field, while supporters noted that it allowed teams to maintain competitive strength despite injuries.

The Finnish Ice Hockey Association (Suomen Jääkiekkoliitto) has not issued official guidelines specifically addressing *vierasotteluineen*, but the practice is generally governed by broader league regulations. Teams must ensure that such arrangements comply with player contracts, league rules, and fair competition principles. The use of guest players remains a rare occurrence, primarily employed in emergencies rather than as a strategic move.

While the term is most commonly associated with ice hockey, the concept of temporary player substitutions in sports exists in other contexts as well. The debate surrounding *vierasotteluineen* reflects broader discussions about flexibility in team management and the challenges of maintaining competitive balance in professional sports.