The Independent: World Cup 2026: Final start time, date and results in full
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Sports
Politics
Nine EU Countries Demand End to EU Funding for Sports Bodies Allowing Russian and Belarusian Athletes
Nine EU member states, including Finland, have called on the European Commission to withdraw financial support from international sports organizations that permit Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in their events. The demand comes amid growing criticism of bodies such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for allowing participation from
Sports
Horse Bolts Into Crowd at Turku Castle Tournament, Leaving Multiple Injured Including a Hospitalized Victim
A frightening incident unfolded on Saturday at the annual Turku Castle Tournament when a horse panicked and charged into the audience, injuring several spectators, including multiple children. The event, which features medieval knightly competitions, was disrupted when one of the horses broke free during preparations for a jousting performance.
Crime
Violent Clashes Between Football Supporters in Lahti Lead to 48 Arrests
Police detained 48 individuals following a violent brawl between supporters of FC Lahti and HJK in Lahti on Saturday afternoon. The confrontation occurred near Paasikivenkatu, shortly after noon, ahead of the Veikkausliiga match between the two teams, which was scheduled to begin at 15:00. According to Ilta-Sanomat, the
Crime
Mass Brawl Erupts Between Football Fans in Lahti Before Veikkausliiga Match
A violent clash between football supporters broke out in Lahti on Saturday afternoon, leaving a restaurant damaged and dozens detained by police. The incident occurred ahead of a Veikkausliiga match between FC Lahti and HJK. The brawl took place in front of Iloinen kulkija (The Merry Traveler), a sports bar
Crime
Mass brawl between football supporters erupts in Lahti
A violent clash between rival football supporters broke out in central Lahti on Saturday afternoon, with police confirming that dozens of people were involved in the brawl. The incident occurred at Paasikivenaukio and is believed to be linked to the Veikkausliiga match between FC Lahti and HJK, which took place
Politics
Government Defends €35 Million Subsidy for Helsinki Garden Amid Cuts to Sports Facility Funding
The Finnish government’s decision to allocate €35 million to the Helsinki Garden arena project has sparked criticism from the opposition, particularly over the timing of the subsidy amid reductions in funding for sports facility construction nationwide. Centre Party Deputy Chair Markku Siponen has questioned Finance Minister Riikka Purra’s
Sports
Finnish Government Grants €10 Million to Athletics Federation for 2030 European Championships Amid Transparency Dispute and Funding Model Confusion
The Finnish government, led by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, granted €10 million in April to the Finnish Athletics Federation to support its bid to host the 2030 European Athletics Championships in Helsinki. The funding was allocated without the usual official preparation process, as Helsingin Sanomat (HS) first reported. The decision