A fan-run soccer club pushes back against Poland’s nationalist stadium culture

In Warsaw, Poland, a unique soccer club called AKS Zły was founded in 2015 by fans of the city’s main teams, Legia and Polonia, to counteract the aggressive nationalist culture prevalent in stadiums. The club, which includes both men’s and women’s teams, is democratically run by its fans and promotes inclusivity regardless of sexual orientation, race, or nationality. This initiative emerged as a response to the increasingly right-leaning and hostile fan culture in Poland. Despite the election of President Karol Nawrocki, who has ties to nationalist fan groups, AKS Zły hopes to attract more supporters who seek a welcoming environment. The club also engages with the community through events that celebrate local history and values. AKS Zły represents a stand against the mainstream fan culture, offering an alternative for those who feel marginalized. QUESTION: How might the existence of clubs like AKS Zły influence the future of sports culture in Poland?