Court overturns 40% of IFK Göteborg fan bans after police classify ultras as criminals
Four of ten preventive bans issued to IFK Göteborg supporters have been completely overturned by courts following controversial police classification.
SFN Editor ·
Swedish courts have overturned four out of ten preventive residence bans imposed on IFK Göteborg supporters, raising questions about police methods in dealing with football fan groups.
In March, police in the West Region classified three supporter groups - Wisemen, Supras and Ultras - as criminal networks following incidents at Kamratgården in 2025. The classification led to ten IFK Göteborg fans receiving preventive bans preventing them from being near Kamratgården or central Göteborg during matches, as well as restrictions in other Swedish cities during away games.
However, four bans have since been completely overturned by courts, with two others partially lifted. In one case, Göteborg District Court ruled that while the Kamratgården ban could remain, restrictions on central Göteborg and other cities were invalid.
The police classification has drawn criticism in parliament, with Social Democrat Lars Isacsson arguing the legislation was intended for networks like Foxtrot and the Södertälje network - not football ultra groups. Organization Enable Sverige has reviewed the police assessment and concluded it "is not sustainable," particularly questioning whether criteria for organized crime focusing on "profit or power" are met.
Police Chief Mats Bergström maintains the classification based on intelligence material showing serious crime linked to the groups, though he says focus is on a smaller group of risk individuals rather than all members.
"What is happening now could mean that trust is completely destroyed for many," one affected supporter told Sportbladet, describing the situation as legally uncertain.