Polish Olympic Committee faces debt crisis after Piesiewicz arrest

The Polish Olympic Committee (PKOl) is facing a significant financial crisis following the arrest of its former president, Radosław Piesiewicz. Acting president Marian Kmita has revealed that the committee is burdened by approximately 3.5 million PLN in debt, with a projected deficit of 6.5 million PLN by the end of the year.

A substantial portion of this debt, estimated between 1.5 million and 1.88 million PLN, stems from unpaid leasing invoices for a fleet of approximately 30 vehicles. Reports indicate that Piesiewicz used these luxury cars as rewards for loyal supporters and officials during his tenure. One specific luxury vehicle leased for the former president cost the committee 14,000 PLN per month.

In response to the crisis, Kmita has announced plans to implement austerity measures, including reviewing staff roles and investigating non-standard employment contracts. He also intends to reduce the monthly cost of the vehicle fleet, which currently stands at roughly 60,000 PLN.

Separately, politician Sławomir Nitras has criticized Marian Kmita, alleging that Kmita acted as an operative to facilitate Piesiewicz’s entry into sports organizations and defended him against critics using media influence.