Polish Ultras Group Linked to Katowice Football Club Faces Criminal Probes Ahead of Hapoel Tel Aviv Match

Ahead of Hapoel Tel Aviv's upcoming third qualifying round match in the UEFA Conference League against Poland's Katowice, concerns rise over the notorious ultras group supporting the Polish club. The Katowice ultras have a long history of involvement in serious criminal activities, including armed organized crime, violent assaults, and drug trafficking, as well as persistent antisemitism.

Polish authorities have been investigating the group's leadership for years. A major breakthrough occurred in April 2026 when a leading hooligan turned state witness, triggering a wave of arrests. Seven ultras members were detained, facing charges including participation in an armed criminal organization, violent brawls, and drug dealing. The suspects are under police supervision with bail conditions, and their trial is ongoing, with potential sentences up to 15 years in prison.

Among the ultras, the Persona Non Grata gang stands out for its violent acts. One arrested member was convicted of assaulting a city council member and involved in a fatal fight that killed a 19-year-old footballer. This individual also held a role in the club's fan association's security committee, highlighting the group's infiltration into official structures. Investigators have also linked the ultras' leader to Silvester Soska, a crypto exchange founder who mysteriously disappeared in 2022.

The ultras are also known for their hostility toward Israel. A planned friendly match between Katowice and Israeli club Maccabi Netanya in July 2026 was canceled after backlash from Katowice fans. The group has a history of antisemitic behavior dating back over a decade, including offensive chants in 2010 and displaying neo-Nazi symbols at far-right rallies. In 2004, a Katowice hooligan murdered an American medical student, leading to death threats against the prosecutor and attempts to hire a hitman.

With these troubling incidents shadowing the club, authorities and fans hope the upcoming matches against Hapoel Tel Aviv remain focused solely on sport without violence or hate incidents.