PKP Intercity Breaks Sponsorship Agreement with PKOl: failure of Trust and Controversy

PKP Intercity decided to terminate cooperation with the Polish Olympic Committee (PCO). The sponsorship agreement concluded in August 2023 was to apply until 2027, but the carrier declared it effective immediately. This is another blow to the PKOL after the Paris Olympic Games, where controversy about the organization's activities has arisen.

Reason for the Agreement Solution

In its authoritative communication, PKP Intercity stated that the reason for the breach of the agreement was a "lost confidence" in the PCC resulting from "essential circumstances for the PKP". The main origin was marketing losses resulting from the deficiency of performance of the benefits indicated in the sponsorship agreement.

In addition, after the final Olympic Games in Paris, the media saw controversy about PKOl activists, which, as PKP Intercity pointed out, negatively affected the company's image. This event was crucial for the decision to end cooperation.

PKOl problems after the Olympics

After the Paris Games, where Poland won 1 gold, 4 silver and 5 bronzes, a wave of criticism fell on the organization. Minister of athletics and Tourism, Sławomir Nitras, announced financial checks on PKOl, including spending public funds. The audit besides applies to the remuneration of the members of the PKOl board, including the president Radosław Piesiewicz, who, unlike his predecessors, is expected to execute his function for a fee.

Currently, PKOl is subject to 2 controls: 1 led by the president of Warsaw Rafał Trzaskowski, concerning the appropriate functioning of the organization, and the another by the National taxation Administration (KAS). Despite these actions, the control of the ultimate Chamber of Control (NIK) announced by the Minister of athletics has not yet begun.

Effects on another Sponsors

PKP Intercity is not the only sponsor who has decided to end his cooperation with PKOl. Polish Airports besides made a sponsorship agreement. PKOl spokeswoman, Katarzyna Kochaniak-Roman, pointed out, however, that the termination of the agreement by the PPL did not have any legal effect due to the fact that there were no conditions for termination of the agreement.

What's next with PKOl?

Controversy around financial and PKOl activities may have serious consequences for the organisation. The image of the Olympic Committee has been damaged and financial and organisational controls may uncover further irregularities. For PKP Intercity, termination of cooperation is simply a way to avoid further image losses.

However, for PKOl, it is simply a hard time for the organisation to face increasing challenges and rebuild its reputation. Sponsorship by State Treasury companies was an crucial component of financial support, and the failure of further partners may weaken the future activities of the committee.

Ignacy Michałowski

Expert in economics. OSINT investigator with experience in global journalism projects. It has been publishing materials for over 20 years for the largest releases.