At least ten adults reprimanded for misconduct at Helsinki Cup

At least ten adults have received warnings for poor behaviour at the Helsinki Cup youth football tournament, according to tournament director Mikko Savolainen.

Savolainen told Yle that around five incidents involved team officials having to remind parents on the sidelines about their conduct, including criticising opposing teams or questioning referees’ decisions.

At least five coaches or team officials have also been sent off the pitch with either one red card or two yellow cards. Savolainen did not specify the reasons, as the situations did not require further action. In one case, the referee committee discussed the matter with a coach, and both agreed it was best for the coach to leave the sidelines. No formal disciplinary sanctions were imposed.

Overall, behaviour at the tournament has been good, Savolainen said. Organisers have distributed around 5,200 “encouragement cards” to teams to promote positive support.

The Helsinki Cup began on Monday and will conclude with final matches on Saturday. This year’s tournament features over 1,700 teams from 19 countries, with games played in Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa.