Since this event, now organised by the International Federation of American Football Europe, began in 1983, Finland have won it five times - the last occasion being in 2000.

A year after the last staging of the event in 2014 in Austria the sport in Europe underwent a schism which resulted in two IFAF World Congresses being held on the same day, one in New York City and one in Paris.

Last December, the Global Association of International Sports Federations suspended the IFAF membership

In March this year the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling that the IFAF based in New York City is the official world governing body for the sport.

Germany were perceived to have supported the Paris branch of the IFAF, although Robert Huber, President of the American Football Association of Germany (AFVD), insisted that they respected the CAS ruling.

Nevertheless the Germans, whose team currently hold the European title, have been acutely affected by the political infighting between the Paris and New York City branches of the IFAF.

This year's European Championships were switched from Germany with numerous factors being cited, including qualifying matches that were not played in time and allegations of financial problems.

Neither Germany, who might have expected to qualify as hosts and holders, nor Italy, four-times winners who came through the qualifying competition, have been included in the finals.

Six teams are in the last of three rounds of competition which involved a total of 20 teams, a record for the event.

Finland are in Division A along with Great Britain and France, whom they beat  35-21 to earn the bronze medal at the last championships in 2014.

The hosts are due to get their campaign underway with a match against Britain tomorrow evening.

Division B comprises  Denmark, Sweden and Austria – the latter having taken silver as hosts four years ago.