Poland’s largest railway operator, PKP Intercity, has abruptly terminated its sponsorship deal with the Polish Olympic Committee (PKOl), citing a loss of trust and controversy surrounding the Olympic body’s officials.
The sponsorship deal, signed just a year ago, was originally set to run until 2027.
The company cited a loss of trust and PKOl’s alleged failure to fulfill its contractual obligations as the main reasons for ending the agreement.
“The sponsorship agreement concluded on August 16, 2023, which was ultimately to be in force in the years 2023-2027 between PKP Intercity and the Polish Olympic Committee, ceases to be in force as of today. PKP Intercity has terminated this cooperation with immediate effect,” the national carrier said in a press release on Tuesday.
“PKOl’s failure to deliver all the services specified in the sponsorship agreement for PKP Intercity resulted in marketing losses for the company,” it added.
PKP Intercity also accused PKOl officials of engaging in actions that were controversial and harmful to the public image it “has been building for years.”
At the Paris Olympic Games, which concluded on August 11, Poland ranked 42nd in the medal standings, securing one gold, four silver, and five bronze medals.
That result disappointed many, with critics claiming that funds poured into Polish sport had not translated into sufficient Olympic success.
On Friday, the Polish Airports State Enterprise (PPL), which operates the country’s airports and oversees Poland’s national flag carrier, LOT, also ended its sponsorship deal with PKOl.
However, PKOl has claimed that the termination of the contract holds no legal significance due to PPL’s failure to provide specified reasons.
Audit of PKOl’s finances
Following the end of the Paris Olympics, Polish Minister of Sports and Tourism Sławomir Nitras announced an audit of PKOl’s finances.
The audit, he said, would examine the organization’s use of state funds and state-owned company funds, as well as decisions regarding the remuneration of its management board members.
However, this inspection has not yet started.
Currently, two audits are underway at PKOl. The organization confirmed receiving inquiries from Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, the PKOl’s legal supervisor, and a two-week deadline to provide answers.
The second audit is being conducted by Poland’s National Revenue Administration.
The company cited a loss of trust and PKOl’s alleged failure to fulfill its contractual obligations as the main reasons for ending the agreement.
“The sponsorship agreement concluded on August 16, 2023, which was ultimately to be in force in the years 2023-2027 between PKP Intercity and the Polish Olympic Committee, ceases to be in force as of today. PKP Intercity has terminated this cooperation with immediate effect,” the national carrier said in a press release on Tuesday.
“PKOl’s failure to deliver all the services specified in the sponsorship agreement for PKP Intercity resulted in marketing losses for the company,” it added.
PKP Intercity also accused PKOl officials of engaging in actions that were controversial and harmful to the public image it “has been building for years.”
At the Paris Olympic Games, which concluded on August 11, Poland ranked 42nd in the medal standings, securing one gold, four silver, and five bronze medals.
That result disappointed many, with critics claiming that funds poured into Polish sport had not translated into sufficient Olympic success.
On Friday, the Polish Airports State Enterprise (PPL), which operates the country’s airports and oversees Poland’s national flag carrier, LOT, also ended its sponsorship deal with PKOl.
However, PKOl has claimed that the termination of the contract holds no legal significance due to PPL’s failure to provide specified reasons.
Audit of PKOl’s finances
Following the end of the Paris Olympics, Polish Minister of Sports and Tourism Sławomir Nitras announced an audit of PKOl’s finances.
The audit, he said, would examine the organization’s use of state funds and state-owned company funds, as well as decisions regarding the remuneration of its management board members.
However, this inspection has not yet started.
Currently, two audits are underway at PKOl. The organization confirmed receiving inquiries from Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, the PKOl’s legal supervisor, and a two-week deadline to provide answers.
The second audit is being conducted by Poland’s National Revenue Administration.
