The investigation, which began over suspicions of irregularities with sponsorship contracts and the federation's finances, has been ongoing for four years and concerns events from a decade ago, Polish state news agency PAP has reported.
In response to the allegations, Boniek has maintained his innocence and highlighted his proactive approach in addressing the charges, including requesting an interview date through his attorney despite no formal summons.
Last Thursday, the National Public Prosecutor's Office announced that Boniek had been formally charged with causing significant financial damage to the PZPN, a crime that could carry a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
Boniek has vehemently denied the charges, arguing that if one is accused, evidence must be presented — a standard he feels "is not being met in Poland."
According to Boniek, the contract under scrutiny not only did not result in any losses for the PZPN but actually earned the organization nearly PLN 20 million (EUR 4.7 million USD 5.2 million).
Boniek's defense stressed the "political motivations" behind the case, particularly under the previous government's administration, and criticized the handling of the investigation by prosecutors he claims were overzealous.
The former player also noted the "uncooperative nature of the prosecutors" who, according to him, declined to record his interview and have been releasing false information to right-wing media.
The investigation has also affected Maciej Sawicki, the former secretary of the PZPN, whom Boniek defends as trustworthy.
Boniek concluded his statement on Friday by promising an upcoming substantive clarification of the matter, dismissing any sensationalism and attributing the issue solely to political maneuvering.
Further details reveal that the investigation originated in March 2021 when the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA), on the prosecutor's orders, raided the PZPN headquarters, securing documentation and digital data carriers.
In November 2022, the CBA arrested a former board member of the PZPN and the former general secretary of the association, as part of this extensive inquiry into the federation's financial dealings.
Boniek, a former star midfielder and subsequently manager in Poland and Italy, is currently a UEFA vice-president. He served as the president of the PZPN from October 26, 2012 to August 18, 2021, when he was replaced by Cezary Kulesza.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP, TVP
