Allsvenskan 1939–40: A Season of Tight Competition
The 1939–40 Swedish football season was characterized by an intense battle for supremacy in the Allsvenskan, the top flight of Swedish football. The campaign saw a thrilling race for the title and a complex promotion system involving multiple regional divisions and play-offs.
At the summit of the league, IF Elfsborg and IFK Göteborg emerged as the dominant forces, both finishing the season with 32 points. However, IF Elfsborg secured the top spot thanks to a superior goal difference, having scored 66 goals throughout their 22-match campaign.
Key Facts
- Champions: IF Elfsborg won the Allsvenskan title with 32 points.
- Top Scorers: IF Elfsborg led the league in goals scored with 66.
- Promotion Play-offs: IFK Norrköping and Degerfors IF successfully navigated the promotion play-offs.
- Division 2 Dominance: Degerfors IF recorded the most impressive regional run with 16 wins in 18 matches.
- League Struggle: Hammarby IF finished last in the Allsvenskan with only 10 points.
Allsvenskan Final Standings
The top tier featured 12 teams competing in a double round-robin format. While the top two teams were neck-and-neck, the bottom of the table saw Hammarby IF struggle significantly, conceding 58 goals over the course of the season.
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IF Elfsborg | 22 | 13 | 6 | 3 | 66 | 31 | +35 | 32 |
| IFK Göteborg | 22 | 15 | 2 | 5 | 49 | 27 | +22 | 32 |
| Helsingborgs IF | 22 | 12 | 3 | 7 | 49 | 32 | +17 | 27 |
| IK Brage | 22 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 42 | 38 | +4 | 26 |
| Sandvikens IF | 22 | 10 | 2 | 10 | 38 | 37 | +1 | 22 |
| AIK | 22 | 8 | 5 | 9 | 38 | 38 | 0 | 21 |
| Landskrona BoIS | 22 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 42 | 50 | -8 | 21 |
| IK Sleipner | 22 | 8 | 5 | 9 | 33 | 49 | -16 | 21 |
| Gårda BK | 22 | 5 | 10 | 7 | 27 | 39 | -12 | 20 |
| Malmö FF | 22 | 4 | 10 | 8 | 25 | 28 | -3 | 18 |
| Örgryte IS | 22 | 3 | 8 | 11 | 28 | 44 | -16 | 14 |
| Hammarby IF | 22 | 3 | 4 | 15 | 34 | 58 | -24 | 10 |
Division 2 Regional Performance
Below the Allsvenskan, the second tier was divided into four regional groups: Norra (North), Östra (East), Västra (West), and Södra (South). These divisions served as the primary pipeline for teams seeking promotion to the top flight.
Division 2 Norra and Östra
In the Norra division, Reymersholms IK took the top spot with 28 points. Meanwhile, the Östra division was led by IFK Norrköping, who finished with 29 points and a strong defensive record, conceding only 15 goals.
Division 2 Västra and Södra
The Västra division saw a dominant performance by Degerfors IF, who won 16 of their 18 matches and boasted a massive +55 goal difference. In the Södra division, IS Halmia finished first with 29 points, narrowly edging out the competition.
Promotion and Play-offs
The path to the Allsvenskan required success in the promotion play-offs. IFK Norrköping secured their ascent after defeating Reymersholms IK (3–2 and 4–3), while Degerfors IF earned promotion by defeating IS Halmia 1–0.
Additionally, other play-off matches took place involving teams like Iggesunds IK, who defeated Hofors AIF, and Lundby IF, who overcame Kinna IF.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Allsvenskan 1939–40 title?
IF Elfsborg won the title, finishing with 32 points and a goal difference of +35.
Which team had the best record in Division 2?
Degerfors IF had the most dominant record in Division 2, winning 16 out of 18 matches in the Västra division.
How did IFK Norrköping achieve promotion?
IFK Norrköping won the promotion play-off against Reymersholms IK with scores of 3–2 and 4–3.
Which team finished last in the top division?
Hammarby IF finished at the bottom of the Allsvenskan table with 10 points.
What was the goal difference of the champions?
IF Elfsborg finished the season with a goal difference of +35, scoring 66 goals and conceding 31.