Polish Olympic Committee removes president following crypto scandal

The Polish Olympic Committee (PKOl) has voted to remove its president, Radoslaw Piesiewicz, following his arrest on corruption charges. Marian Kmita, a vice president, has been appointed as acting president to serve until new elections are held in April.

Piesiewicz was arrested on suspicion of receiving kickbacks related to a sponsorship deal with Zondacrypto, a cryptocurrency exchange that collapsed in a $94 million Ponzi scheme. Investigations suggest Piesiewicz may have received lavish gifts, including a luxury watch valued at over $46,000, from the defunct firm’s former CEO.

The leadership crisis has raised concerns regarding the potential suspension of the PKOl by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which could impact athlete qualifications for future games. While the organization faces financial instability and internal pressure, sports federations have indicated that athlete training and preparations for upcoming events remain on schedule through Ministry of Sport funding.