Polish sports leaders are calling for the resignation of Radosław Piesiewicz as president of the Polish Olympic Committee (PKOl) amid growing controversy over the organization’s sponsorship deal with cryptocurrency exchange zondacrypto. The demand follows a meeting between national sports federation presidents and Minister of Sport and Tourism Jakub Rutnicki at PGE Narodowy stadium in Warsaw on April 24, 2026.
Sebastian Świderski, president of the Polish Volleyball Federation (PZPS), was among those who spoke out after the meeting, stating that the situation within PKOl is “very difficult” and that its statute is “somewhat archaic and certainly requires changes.” His comments were made during an interview with Polsat Sport, where he emphasized the demand for reform in light of recent developments.
The controversy centers on PKOl’s October 2025 sponsorship agreement with zondacrypto, which announced plans to award bonuses in cryptocurrency tokens to Polish athletes finishing fourth through eighth at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. This arrangement drew scrutiny after prosecutors in Katowice launched an investigation into zondacrypto on April 17, 2026, raising concerns about the legitimacy and transparency of the partnership.
In response to the mounting pressure, the group of sports federation presidents issued a joint statement urging Piesiewicz to step down. They expressed opposition to the current direction of PKOl and supported calls for structural reforms to modernize the organization’s governance.
Świderski reiterated his criticism in subsequent remarks, describing the ongoing situation as problematic and confirming his support for the athletes’ right to fair and transparent treatment. He noted that the discussions during the minister-led meeting were substantive and welcomed the opportunity for dialogue among stakeholders.
The PKOl presidency has faced increasing scrutiny not only over the zondacrypto deal but also regarding broader governance issues. Critics argue that the organization’s current statutes hinder effective oversight and adaptation to contemporary sports administration standards.
As of April 25, 2026, no official response has been issued by Radosław Piesiewicz regarding the calls for his resignation. The Ministry of Sport and Tourism has not announced any further scheduled meetings on the matter, though continued pressure from sports federations suggests the issue remains unresolved.
For updates on this developing situation, readers are encouraged to follow official communications from the Polish Ministry of Sport and Tourism and the Polish Olympic Committee.
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