Polish FA ceases over corruption issues

The Polish Football Association, which has been preparing to co-host Euro 2012, was suspended by Poland's sports ministry on Monday on corruption issues, the national news agency PAP said.

The sports ministry conducted an audit of the association and found irregularities in its functioning, sports minister Miroslaw Drzewiecki was quoted as saying. He said the FA did not take adequate steps to address corruption issues. "After the control I filed a motion with the Arbitration Tribunal (connected to Poland's Olympic Committee) to suspend the association's authorities and name an administrator," Drzewiecki said."The tribunal decided that this function would be carried out by Robert Zawlocki."

Drzewiecki downplayed concerns that the move would have a negative impact on Poland's preparations to host the European Championship finals in 2012 jointly with neighbours Ukraine.

Zawlocki said a letter had already been sent to UEFA president Michel Platini, reassuring him that organisation of Euro 2012 would continue undisturbed.

Neither the sports minister's office nor the Polish Olympic Committee could be reached for confirmation or comment.