Polish football faces scandal over referee SMS communications

The Polish football community is facing a scandal involving prohibited communications between Jagiellonia Białystok coach Adrian Siemieniec and referee Arkadiusz Kamil Wójcik. The investigation centers on attempts to influence referee Paweł Raczkowski regarding disciplinary actions, such as the issuance of cards, during the 2025/26 season.

As a result of the investigation, Arkadiusz Kamil Wójcik has received a two-year disqualification from refereeing duties and has had his professional contract terminated. Wójcik has contested the findings, claiming he was not the initiator of the contact but was instead acting as an intermediary, and has expressed dissatisfaction with the disciplinary process conducted by the Polish Football Association (PZPN).

Internal details suggest delays in the reporting of the incident. While Wójcik intended to report irregularities to the prosecutor, Paweł Raczkowski reportedly filed a case 39 days after receiving screenshots of the conversations. The scandal has involved high-level discussions between PZPN President Cezary Kulesza and disciplinary officials.