Smuda, who had been battling a blood cancer for several years, died at the University Hospital in Krakow, southern Poland, the Polish Radio News Agency IAR has reported.
He was known for his successful career both as a player and coach, contributing significantly to Polish football.
Smuda served as the head coach of the Polish national football team from 2009 to 2012, leading the squad in the Euro 2012 tournament, which Poland co-hosted with Ukraine. Despite high expectations, the team did not advance past the group stage.
Throughout his coaching career, Smuda achieved notable successes in domestic football.
He won the Polish championship twice with Widzew Łódź and once with Wisła Kraków. He also led Lech Poznań to victory in the Polish Cup. Under his leadership, Widzew Łódź competed in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League during the 1996/97 season.
Before transitioning to coaching, Smuda had a distinguished playing career as a defender, featuring for clubs such as Odra Wodzisław Śląski, Ruch Chorzów, Stal Mielec and Legia Warszawa, as well as several teams in the United States.
Franciszek Smuda will be remembered as a skilled tactician and a significant figure in Polish football.
(ał)
Source: PAP, IAR
