Polish Fans Outraged Over Ukrainian Coach Lupashko’s UPA Name Association

Vladyslav Lupashko Appointed as Lechia Gdańsk Head Coach

According to Главком: The appointment of Ukrainian coach Vladyslav Lupashko as manager of Polish football club Lechia Gdańsk has sparked backlash from some fans. The controversy stems from the surname Lupashko being linked to the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). Ukrainian online sources have pointed to Armia Krajowa officer Zygmunt Szendzielarz, who used the pseudonym "Łupaszko" during World War II. Lupashko took over the team on July 1, as the club struggles with financial troubles and a transfer ban.

Vladyslav Lupashko’s Coaching Career

Born in Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, Lupashko made his senior debut for Borysfen-2 from Boryspil. Over his playing career, he represented clubs such as Kyiv-based Obolon, Zirka from Kropyvnytskyi, and Inhulets. He began coaching at age 35, serving as an assistant head coach for Inhulets. In June 2023, he became interim manager of Inhulets and was later confirmed in the role permanently. Before the 2024/25 season, Lupashko took charge of Karpaty, leading them to a sixth-place finish in the Ukrainian Premier League.

Lechia Gdańsk, founded in 1945, boasts the following achievements:

• Two-time winner of the Polish Cup;
• Two Polish Super Cup titles;
• Best league finish: third place in the Ekstraklasa, achieved twice.

The club has participated in European competitions three times. In the 1983/84 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, Lechia lost to Juventus of Turin (0–7, 2–3). In the 2019/20 UEFA Europa League, they fell to Denmark’s Brøndby (2–1, 1–4). During the 2022/23 UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers, Lechia defeated North Macedonia’s Akademija Pandev (4–1, 2–1) but were eliminated by Rapid Vienna (1–2, 0–0).

Notable Lechia fans include Poland’s current president, Karol Nawrocki. Lupashko’s appointment has become a hot topic in both Polish and Ukrainian media, drawing mixed reactions from supporters.

This situation highlights not only the challenges coaches face but also the cultural and historical contexts that shape perceptions of their identity.

- Source unknown

Amid Lechia’s financial difficulties, Lupashko’s hiring may be an attempt to find fresh solutions to improve the team’s performance. It will be important to monitor further fan reactions and developments at the club, as these could affect team morale and sporting objectives.