UOKiK imposes heavy fines on banks and charges Canal+ Polska

The President of the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) has taken significant regulatory action against several companies in Poland for unfair consumer practices.

Four financial institutions—Erste Bank Polska, ING Bank Śląski, Bank Pocztowy, and Plus Bank—were fined a combined 147.09 million PLN. The sanctions were imposed due to the use of abusive clauses that allowed banks to unilaterally modify contracts, increase fees by up to 200%, or introduce new commissions based on vague criteria like inflation or service improvements.

Additionally, UOKiK has brought charges against Canal+ Polska regarding its ‘Mistrzowska Piłka’ sports package. The regulator alleges the company misled customers by failing to inform them that access to Champions League matches would expire on June 30, 2024, despite ongoing subscription contracts. Sales recordings reportedly showed consultants assuring clients that channels would not ‘magically disappear.’ If the charges are confirmed, Canal+ could face fines of up to 10% of its turnover. The regulator is also investigating the company’s handling of LaLiga match access.