Heikkilä expresses concern over allegations against Wiss ahead of KuPS coaching appointment

Olli Heikkilä, the CEO of Laitilan Wirvoitusjuomatehdas, a key sponsor of Kuopion Palloseura (KuPS), has expressed concern regarding allegations of inappropriate behavior linked to coach Jarkko Wiss. Initially reported by Savon Sanomat, MTV Sports states that Wiss is set to become the main coach for KuPS in the upcoming Veikkausliiga season. Wiss has not been coaching any team this season after being dismissed from his position as head coach at FC Inter Turku last season for actions that allegedly contradicted the club’s values.

Reports indicate that Wiss may have harassed a female employee at the club’s end-of-season celebration. Heikkilä mentioned that he relies on media reports for information regarding the case and emphasized the importance of investigating the matter before any potential appointment of Wiss as KuPS’s head coach. “This harassment is a serious and regrettable issue. If he is appointed, it is crucial to understand what the situation has been and how it has been addressed. Right now, we only have the information available on MTV’s website,” Heikkilä stated.

Regarding the future of the partnership between Laitilan Wirvoitusjuomatehdas and KuPS, Heikkilä stated that it is premature to determine the impact of the situation. He expressed hopes for the collaboration to continue, highlighting a decade-long relationship with KuPS. He also mentioned that nearly a year has passed since the incident leading to Wiss’s separation from FC Inter, questioning what consequences are appropriate.

Heikkilä has been in contact with representatives from KuPS to discuss the situation, although he noted the difficulty in having discussions without an official appointment made.