FC Haka Hit by Stadium Fire After Relegation as Police Investigate Arson in Finland

Finnish football has been shaken by a dramatic sequence of events involving FC Haka, one of the most historic clubs in the country. Just days after suffering relegation from the Veikkausliiga, the nine-time league champion was struck by a devastating stadium fire that partially destroyed its home ground, Tehtaan kenttä, in the city of Valkeakoski. Authorities have since confirmed that the incident is being investigated as arson, compounding an already painful moment for the club and its supporters.

The fire broke out late at night and quickly engulfed one of the wooden stands at the stadium, also known as Factory Field. Flames spread rapidly, leaving large sections reduced to rubble and causing visible damage to the synthetic pitch. By morning, images of the destruction circulated across Finland, turning what initially appeared to be an accident into a national talking point. Police later revealed that three minors were present when the fire started, and that a 15-year-old admitted to igniting the object that caused the blaze. Due to their age, none of the individuals involved will face criminal charges, although Finnish law allows for potential civil liability related to the damages.

The timing could hardly be worse for FC Haka. The club had just been relegated after finishing last in the 2025 season, a stunning fall for an institution that has won nine league titles and twelve Finnish Cups. In Valkeakoski, a city of just over 20,000 residents, the relegation already felt like a collective blow. The loss of the stadium, even partially, has turned sporting disappointment into a broader community crisis.

Club president Marko Laaksonen acknowledged the scale of the challenge ahead, stating that the total cost of repairs has not yet been calculated but is expected to be significant. The stadium is municipally owned, and local authorities are now assessing urgent repairs to ensure the field can be used again. Long-term reconstruction, however, will require coordinated support from the city, sponsors, and the wider football community.

Beyond the physical damage, the incident has sparked debate across Finland about youth responsibility and the impact of online backlash. Police have urged the public to refrain from directing abuse toward the minors involved, warning that harassment on social media could trigger further investigations. The situation highlights the tension between a community’s demand for accountability and the legal obligation to protect underage individuals.

For Haka supporters, the loss cuts deeper than infrastructure. Tehtaan kenttä has been a centerpiece of Valkeakoski since the 1930s, hosting championship celebrations, European nights, and generations of matchdays tied closely to the city’s industrial heritage. In response, fans have begun organizing fundraising efforts and support campaigns, determined to help the club rebuild both its stadium and its future.

In a single year, FC Haka has gone from fighting to stay in Finland’s top division to confronting the task of rebuilding its home and redefining its sporting project. The coming months will test the resilience of the club and its city, as Valkeakoski looks to turn a moment of crisis into the starting point of a new chapter rather than a final setback in the story of one of Finnish football’s most storied teams.