A major fire broke out at the stadium of Finnish football club Haka, destroying an entire stand and seriously damaging the artificial pitch, İdman.Biz reports.
Police investigating the incident at Tehtaan kenttä Stadium in the city of Valkeakoski determined that the fire originated inside the facility. Authorities have identified three minors connected to the incident, and one of them confessed to igniting the object that caused the blaze.
The fire occurred shortly after Haka were relegated from Finland’s top division, the Veikkausliiga, to the second tier. Police are also examining whether the team’s relegation may have served as a possible motive for the arson.
Club director Marko Laaksonen told Finnish media that the total damage has not yet been calculated, but noted that it is “extremely significant.”
Founded in 1934, Haka is one of Finland’s most decorated clubs, having won nine league titles and twelve national cups. The team’s stadium was also built in 1934.
