Warsaw, Sep 30 (DPA) The leadership of the Polish football federation (PZPN) has been suspended by an arbitration court of the nation's Olympic Committee (PKOL).
The court named Robert Zawlocki temporary head of the PZPN after a motion from the sports ministry which has long been dissatisfied with the PZPN's handling of corruption in Polish football.
Zawlocki, who formerly was a member of the PZPN disciplinary committee, then suspended PZPN boss Michel Listkiewicz and the rest of the board Monday.
He also postponed the elections of the PZPN board, originally set for Oct 30, until 'order was restored.'
A similar government intervention last year drew harsh criticism from the world governing body FIFA, which does not shy away from suspending football federations in the case of political interference.
The suspension comes four days after the European body UEFA confirmed that Poland and Ukraine will remain hosts of the Euro 2012 tournament despite concerns in areas such as stadium construction and general infrastructure.
Zawlocki has reportedly written to UEFA boss Michel Platini that the suspension of the leadership will not harm the Euro preparations, in which Listkiewicz will continue to be involved.
Polish football has been plagued by corruption in recent years, with more than 20 clubs, referees, federation and club officials as well as players allegedly involved in fixing schemes.
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