Police Release Statement After Fire Destroys FC Haka Stadium

A statement has been released following a new update after a top-flight stadium was burned to the ground in a horrific fire this week. FC Haka is one of Finland’s most successful clubs, having won nine Finnish championships and 12 cup titles since its founding in 1934. But relegation from Veikkausliga in October has soured relationships between the hierarchy and supporters.

One of the stands at one end of their Factory Field stadium was destroyed after a fire broke out on Sunday night. The inferno damaged Haka’s artificial turf pitch as well as destroying the entire contents of the stand. Marko Laaksonen, chair of FC Haka, said the damage costs have not yet been calculated but will be substantial.

“We certainly didn’t need this, that’s clear,” Laaksonen told Finnish media, as per Euro News. “We have already received a lot of support from people, and we will continue to need it in the future.”

Teenager Arrested After Admitting to Starting Stadium Blaze

A teenager has confessed to starting a fire that destroyed a stand at the stadium of a storied Finnish football club, police said on Wednesday, though the suspect cannot face criminal charges due to age. Three minors, all under 15, were present when the blaze began at FC Haka’s Tehtaan kentta stadium in Valkeakoski, some 150 kilometres north of Helsinki, on Sunday evening, according to Finland’s Sisa-Suomi police.

One of the three admitted to igniting an object that sparked the fire. The incident is being investigated as arson, though Finnish law exempts anyone under 15 from criminal prosecution. See a clip of the fire below:

According to the Finnish Courts website, cases involving under-15s are typically referred to social services or child welfare authorities, who may implement support measures like counselling, family assistance, or placement in care if needed. These are designed to address underlying factors (e.g., behavioural issues or family problems) and help the child reintegrate positively, often in collaboration with parents or guardians.

Unlike criminal responsibility, there is no age limit for civil liability. The child (and/or their guardians) may be required to compensate victims for property damage or other losses caused by the arson, such as repair costs or economic harm. This can be resolved through mediation – a free, voluntary process – or court-ordered if necessary, though courts consider the child’s age and ability to pay when determining amounts.

Statements Released Following Update

“The absence of criminal responsibility does not mean freedom from liability for damages,” Detective Inspector Maijastiina Tammisto said in a statement. “There is no minimum age for compensation liability in Finland.”

Tammisto urged public restraint about the case, after the incident has sparked harsh reactions on social media. “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,” she said.

The fire broke out around 8pm on Sunday and spread rapidly through the wooden structure, which held 400 spectators at the 3,200-capacity stadium built in 1934. The venue is owned by the city of Valkeakoski, whose representatives have said they will be looking into repairing the pitch as soon as possible.

“We are truly saddened by the fire at Tehtaas Field. Tehtaas is a beloved place for the people of Koski, and the city is committed to maintaining Tehtaas Field,” said Joni Kumlander, Chairman of the City Council. “Now our task is to find out what it takes to get the field back into playing condition,” Kumlander added in a press release published by FC Haka on Monday.