WC qualifying matches to affect traffic in Helsinki

Finland’s national football team will play its home World Cup qualifying matches at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki on Saturday and Tuesday, affecting traffic in Töölö and the city centre, said police in a press release on Friday.

Finland will face the Netherlands on Saturday and Poland on Tuesday and both the matches will kick off at 9:45 pm, but fan marches could affect traffic earlier in the evening.

The events will attract many supporters to the city, and the police will maintain a prominent presence to provide security for the occasion.

“Tens of thousands of spectators are expected to attend the matches, so people in central Helsinki should be prepared for exceptional traffic arrangements and temporary traffic disruptions,” said Chief Inspector of the Helsinki Police Jere Roimu.

The police will be assisted by the Border Guard in the security arrangements. In addition, the Helsinki Rescue Department's Rescue Task Force for demanding situations will be present.

The police recommend that people should avoid coming to the match by car. Arrive well in advance, and familiarise themselves with the routes provided by the event organisers to ensure a smoother journey. The event organiser will also restrict traffic around the stadium.

“Before the matches, supporters may organise marches to the stadium, which may cause temporary closures of streets and junctions and disrupt traffic, especially in Töölö and the city centre. The police will direct traffic during the marches,” Roimu added.

There are no specific restrictions on aviation during the events, but the police would like to reaffirm that drones must not be flown over or near crowds for safety reasons. The police will monitor aviation during the events and intervene if any infringements are detected.

“Supporters are allowed to be loud, visible and colourful. They can march and celebrate. The police do not want to interfere with normal football supporting activities, but crime is not an acceptable part of a public event. Supporting the team does not involve prearranged fights, random acts of violence, resisting stewards or concealing one’s identity with the intention of committing property offences or causing damage," said Roimu.

For safety reasons, police prohibited burning flares as flares are very hot and can cause serious burn injuries. "Bangers" (loud explosives) are also banned. Bangers can contain substantial amounts of explosive powder, which could cause hearing damage.