Teenagers Set Fire to the Stadium of One of Finland's Most Famous Clubs

The Finnish city of Valkeakoski witnessed a shocking incident after a large fire broke out at Tehtaan Kenttä Stadium, the main stadium of FC Haka, one of the country's oldest football clubs. The fire, which occurred on December 7, 2025, destroyed the historic wooden stand that could seat about four hundred people and also damaged part of the artificial pitch, causing significant financial losses for both the club and the city.

The Finnish police announced that they have identified three teenagers, all under the age of fifteen, who were at the scene when the fire broke out. One of them admitted to igniting an object that caused the fire to start, while investigations are ongoing to determine the roles of the others. Under Finnish law, these minors cannot be prosecuted criminally, but they or their guardians can be held responsible for paying compensation.

The incident sparked widespread reactions in the local community, with residents and city officials expressing their shock and sorrow over what happened, especially since the burned stand is considered a symbol of the club and its history. The police also urged citizens to avoid spreading or sharing inaccurate information or inciting against the teenagers on social media.

The fire comes at a sensitive time for the club, as it occurred just weeks after FC Haka was relegated from the Finnish Premier League to the second division, which has increased the financial pressures and challenges facing the team. The stadium is expected to require extensive repairs before the club can fully resume using it for upcoming matches.