Can the PKOl Board of Directors remove the arrested president from office?

The pretrial detention of the President of the Polish Olympic Committee does not imply his guilt. However, it prevents him from performing his professional duties. In this situation, the Polish Olympic Committee’s Executive Board has the right and the obligation to protect the interests of the Polish Olympic Committee—including its good name.

In a recent article published in Rzeczpospolita, Prof. Michał Romanowski, Ph.D., and attorney Piotr Haiduk explain:

• what measures are available to the PKOl Executive Board to make decisions in the event of the President’s pretrial detention;
• why the bylaws allow the Executive Board to remove the President during his term of office;
• who can convene a meeting of the Executive Board when the President is unable or unwilling to do so;
• how to reconcile the presumption of innocence with the protection of the PKOl’s credibility and reputation.

Criminal law will determine guilt. The PKOl’s bylaws must address, as of today, the question of responsibility for the continued functioning of the organization and Polish Olympic sports.

An institution of the Polish Olympic Committee’s stature cannot be a bridge resting on a single pillar. The Executive Board cannot replace a court, but neither can it remain a mere spectator.

We invite you to read the publication HERE.