PZPN leadership faces crisis amid mascot scandal and board revolt

The Polish Football Association (PZPN) is facing significant internal turmoil and public scrutiny following a series of incidents surrounding a Nations League match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Cezary Kulesza, President of the PZPN, drew widespread criticism after video footage showed him swapping a child mascot intended to escort captain Robert Lewandowski onto the pitch. Kulesza explained that he acted out of a personal commitment to the boy's late mother to fulfill her son's dream, but admitted the execution was clumsy and apologized for the emotional impact on the other child. Reports also indicated that TVP Sport removed footage of the incident from its broadcast, a move the broadcaster defended as following UEFA regulations regarding camera footage approval.

Simultaneously, a leadership crisis has emerged within the PZPN. Eleven members of the association's board, including four vice-presidents, signed a letter of no confidence against Secretary General Łukasz Wachowski. The revolt follows allegations that Wachowski recorded a situation involving Kulesza and another official. While a formal vote to remove Wachowski did not occur during a recent board meeting, the signatories stated they see no possibility for further cooperation, citing a breakdown in trust and corporate ethics.