IFK Göteborg fan groups classified as criminal networks by police spark legal battle
Police classification of supporter groups as criminal networks faces court challenges with 40% of stadium bans already overturned
SFN Editor ·
Police in Sweden's Western Region have faced mounting criticism after classifying three IFK Göteborg supporter groups as criminal networks, leading to a series of legal challenges that have seen nearly half of the imposed restrictions overturned.
In March, authorities designated Wisemen, Supras and Ultras as criminal organizations, citing incidents at Kamratgården stadium in 2025. The classification resulted in ten IFK Göteborg supporters receiving preventive residence bans, restricting them from areas around their home ground and central Gothenburg during matches.
However, the legal foundation for these decisions has proven shaky. Four of the ten residence bans have been completely overturned by courts, while two others have been partially lifted. In one case, Gothenburg District Court ruled that restrictions around Kamratgården could remain but struck down broader bans covering central Gothenburg and other cities.
The police action has drawn criticism beyond the courtroom. Social Democrat MP Lars Isacsson argued in parliament that the legislation was intended for networks like Foxtrot and the Södertälje network, not football supporter groups.
Enable Sweden, which reviewed the police assessment, concluded the classification "is not sustainable," questioning whether criteria for organized crime are genuinely met. They particularly challenged the requirement of pursuing "profit or power," where police referenced alleged threats at Kamratgården in a case later dropped without charges.
"What's happening now could completely destroy trust for many," one affected supporter told Sportbladet, describing the situation as legally uncertain.