Cezary Kulesza has been chosen as the new chairman of Poland's Football Association (PZPN). He has replaced Zbigniew Boniek, who after two terms in office has been named honorary chairman. In the vote, Kulesza won 92 votes, whereas his rival Marek Koźmiński - 23.
"I'm grateful for your trust. This is the greatest thing in my life. I invite everyone to cooperation, so we could grow. I promise to work hard, I ask you for support, because football unites us," Kulesza said in a short speech after being elected chairman.
The outgoing chairman, Zbigniew Boniek, was first appointed in 2012, and later once more in 2016. His second term was scheduled to in 2020, but it was extended until 2021 due the COVID-19 pandemic.
Two candidates faced each other in the election: former chairman of Jagiellonia Białystok Cezary Kulesza, and Poland's former national team player Marek Koźmiński, silver medalist from Barcelona in 1992.
Both are well-known figures in the association, as they have been board members since 2012, and both were vice-chairmen. Kulesza was responsible for professional football, while Koźmiński for training issues and international affairs.
Before the vote, both candidates addressed the delegates. Koźmiński, well-versed in handling publicity, spoke for 20 minutes. Kulesza gave a very short speech.
"I stand proud, as it's no coincidence. I've fulfilled various roles in the PZPN, as a youth, Olympic and senior team member, club chairman, vice-chairman of the federation, all since 1989. I've been with you for 32 years," Koźmiński said.
"I'd like to thank Marek for competition in this campaign. More things unite us than divide. I'm a man of football. (...) I ask for your support, and I shall give you result," Kulesza said.
116 out of 118 allowed delegates took part in the ballot. There was only one invalid vote against 115 valid. As expected, Kulesza won by a landslide earning 92 votes.
At the start of the meeting, the delegates decided by acclamation to make the outgoing chief Boniek a honorary chairman of the PZPN.
Later on Wednesday, Cezary Kulesza said he really hoped for national team's success, and that he would not replace Portuguese coach Paulo Sousa at that point. "Let's give the coach the upcoming three games and evaluate him after," said the new PZPN chairman.
On a less serious note, shortly before the main vote, the delegates took part in a test ballot. They were asked the following question: "Will Robert Lewandowski become Bundesliga's top scorer again?". Although not unanimous, the result of the vote was in favour of Poland's skipper who is Bayern Munich's top striker. 79 delegates voted "yes", 23 said "no", with 15 abstentions.
Źródło: TVN24 News in English, PAP
Źródło zdjęcia głównego: eurosport