Finland grants exception to Ice Hockey Association for electricity payments at Helsinki Arena

The Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has granted an exception to the Ice Hockey Association, allowing them to pay outstanding electricity bills for the Helsinki Arena on behalf of the venue’s management company. Pia Sarivaara, head of the ministry’s sanctions team, confirmed this to STT. The exception was approved by the ministry’s sanctions unit and permits payment for the electricity bills outlined in the request, specifically for Helsinki Halli Oy.

The venue’s Russian majority owners are on an international sanctions list due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. As a result, the arena’s district heating has been cut off, and electricity was also disconnected on Monday, although backup power was restored shortly thereafter. According to Henna Malmberg, the communications director of the Ice Hockey Association, the arena management previously reached out for assistance in settling the electricity payment.