Polish Olympic Committee faces crisis following president's arrest

The Polish Olympic Committee (PKOl) is facing a leadership crisis following the arrest of its president, Radosław Piesiewicz, in connection with the Zondacrypto scandal. A decision regarding who will complete Piesiewicz’s term is expected around September 14, with several vice-presidents considered for the role.

The situation has drawn international attention, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) reportedly inquiring about the developments. Deputy Minister of Sport Piotr Borys described the event as the “greatest image catastrophe in the history of Polish sport,” noting that the crisis could lead to financial difficulties and trouble securing sponsors.

Political tensions have also emerged. Former Olympic champion Robert Korzeniowski suggested that former President Andrzej Duda and Jacek Sasin contributed to the departure of previous PKOl president Andrzej Kraśnicki. Andrzej Duda has denied these claims, stating that the allegations are “grossly inconsistent with the facts and truth” and asserting that he supported Kraśnicki’s candidacy for reelection.