The fate of the multi-purpose arena in Ilmala is also of interest in war-torn Russia.
The Hartwall logos were removed from the facade of the arena in Ilmala, Helsinki, in March. Jussi Eskola
Representative of the Russian Duma Dmitry Svistshev was dismayed by the idea that Finnish legislation could expropriate Helsinki Hall from Russian ownership.
The multi-purpose arena, which still struck a chord with the people under the previous name of the Hartwall arena, has been unused for almost half a year.
Russian oligarchs by Roman Rotenberg and Gennady Timchenko owned arena has not organized events since the start of the war of aggression against Ukraine by Russia.
Rotenberg and Timchenko have been placed on the US sanctions list. In addition, Timchenko’s name can be found on the EU’s corresponding list.
Ending up on the forced list and sheer reluctance have prevented the change of ownership of the Hartwall arena. However, the trade has been rubbed out.
Helsingin Sanomat published last week an article in which Helsinki’s deputy mayor for culture and leisure Paavo Arhinmäki considered an option where the parliament would enact a law that would enable the seizure of the oligarchs’ assets.
Arhinmäki’s reflection caught the Russian media’s radar. Dmitri Svistshev, chairman of the Duma’s committee responsible for sports affairs, was asked for his opinion on Arhinmäki’s proposal.
– It’s about theft and robbery. Russian investors have invested a huge amount of capital in Finnish sports and the economy. They acquired the arena legally at one time, Svistshev roars, according to the allhockey website.
– I once met the manager of the arena, who told me that everyone is proud that the arena is the best in Finland. And now such statements (from Arhinmäki). I really hope that no one is forced into the arena. How do those who invested in the project get their money? Svistshev states.
Escrow account as a solution?
The Helsinki hall has been inactive for almost half a year. KIMMO BRANDT / AOP
Iltalehti previously reported that Timchenko and Rotenberg own all the C series shares of the hall company. They are 44.98 percent of all shares in the holding company, but entitle them to more than 90 percent of the voting power.
The oligarchs reportedly initially asked the hall for around 60 million euros. The buyer always has his own idea of the price, and the purchase price is believed to be around 50 million euros.
– All Western wealth has been frozen. There can be no financial dealings with them. They cannot sell the hall, Jari Eloranta, professor of economic history at the University of Helsinki, told Iltalehte earlier.
One solution is an escrow account. The money moving in the trade would be transferred to an account that Putin’s two friends can access after the sanctions end.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Enforcement Agency, the EU and the United States must approve the sale of the arena. That’s why it’s been a slow project.
Kurri’s fate
Jari Kurri was a prominent figure in Jokerie’s KHL project. Inka Soveri
It will be highlighted in the Russian media Jari Kurri.
The puck legend’s reputation has tarnished as the leader of Narrilauma’s KHL project. Allhockey’s story quotes Kurri, who, according to the media, said that he was the victim of a car chase in Finland.
– This has happened not only in Finland, but everywhere. They ban all their national heroes who have connections with Russia. Svistshev feels that it is bullying practiced by fascists and all such parties who want to get their name out in the open.
In Russia, the situation is seen very differently than in Western countries.
– Fortunately, the vast majority of people don’t think like this, Svistshev thinks.