New Delhi: A shocking fire incident in one of Finland’s oldest football venues left fans around the world stunned. FC Haka’s historic Tehtaan Kentta Stadium was severely damaged in a fire, just weeks after the club was relegated from the country’s top league, Veikkausliiga.
The erupted blaze destroyed a 400-seater wooden stand on December 7, in Valkeakoski, sending shock waves through a community that was already reeling from a massive sporting disappointment.
🚨🚨| BREAKING: After FC Haka were 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 to the second division in Finland, a group of three minor fans set fire to the stadium stands.pic.twitter.com/Z89BrKbmaO
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) December 11, 2025
Three minors burn down historic stadium
The local Police later confirmed that three minors were present at the venue when the fire started, and all of them were under the age of 15. One of them has admitted to igniting an object that sparked the fire, but Finnish law prevents minors from facing criminal charges.
Detective Inspector Maijastiina Tammisto said in a statement that the case is under investigation, but clarified that legal consequences differ for minors. While criminal prosecution is off the table due to age, she noted that compensation liability can still apply to children in Finland.
“The police hope that discussion about the matter remains appropriate and reminds people that inappropriate and personal communications can themselves lead to a criminal investigation,” Tammisto added.
The fire began around 8 PM and spread quickly through the wooden structure of the nearly century-old stand, which was built in 1934, and was considered one of Finnish football’s most traditional grounds.
FC Haka chairman Marko Laaksonen said the club hasn’t calculated the extent of the damage, but it is expected to be major. FC Haka, already suffering from financial losses and relegation, while the timing of the incident has made the setback even heavier.
“We certainly didn’t need this…We have already received a lot of support from people, and we will continue to need it in the future,” Laaksonen told Finnish media. The club has already started preparations to make the stadium playable again.
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