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Polish president's potential IOC role sparks controversy, conflicting narratives

24.12.2024 11:11
Andrzej Duda's candidacy for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has sparked controversy, prompting responses from both Maja Włoszczowska and the IOC in reaction to the Polish president's statements, clarifying the differences in roles within the organization and providing information about the committee members' compensation.
Maja Włoszczowska, a two-time Olympic medalist and IOC Athletes Commission member, has weighed in on the controversy over Polish President Andrzej Dudas potential future IOC role, furnishing information about role differences and member compensation.
Maja Włoszczowska, a two-time Olympic medalist and IOC Athletes' Commission member, has weighed in on the controversy over Polish President Andrzej Duda's potential future IOC role, furnishing information about role differences and member compensation.IAR/Łukasz Kowalski/PAP/Grzegorz Momot

The Polish Olympic Committee has nominated Andrzej Duda for membership in the IOC, with a potential election after his presidential term ends in 2024. Meanwhile, Maja Włoszczowska, a member of the IOC Athletes' Commission since 2021, will hold this position until 2028 and may apply for full membership after her term ends.

As reported earlier on Radio Poland, Andrzej Duda addressed concerns in a pre-holiday interview with RMF FM about the possibility of blocking Maja Włoszczowska's IOC spot.

Maja Włoszczowska comments on IOC compensation

President Andrzej Duda said that his candidacy for full membership in the IOC is different from Maja Włoszczowska's role, which he described as "full-time" and stemming from her representation of athletes.

In an apparent response to his comments, Maja Włoszczowska, one of Poland's most decorated cyclists, pointed out the discrepancy in the way IOC members' compensation is presented.

"In reference to various media statements about the financial conditions of IOC membership, I want to clarify that there is no 'full-time' membership tied to a salary," she said via social media.

"All IOC members (permanent, representing federations, national Olympic committees, or athletes) receive allowances for the duties they perform (such as travel and committee work)," Włoszczowska added.

IOC provides details on member allowances, not salaries, after fact-checking inquiry

The IOC, which was contacted by the fact-checking service Konkret24, explained that members of the Committee do not receive salaries but compensations, such as an annual administrative support of $7,000 and daily allowances (ranging from $450 to $900) for participation in meetings and committees.

Additionally, some administrative expenses related to fulfilling their roles are covered, depending on the position held.

The decision regarding Andrzej Duda's candidacy for the IOC may be made during the session in February 2026, and although Poland could formally have two members, it has only had this situation briefly after World War II, according to eurosport.tvn24.pl.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, 2016 (archival photo): Polish cyclist Maja Włoszczowska celebrates after winning the silver medal in the women’s mountain biking event during the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, 2016 (archival photo by Agencja Forum): Polish cyclist Maja Włoszczowska celebrates after winning the silver medal in the women’s mountain biking event during the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics

Source: eurosport.tvn24.pl/Konkret24

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