Conflict Over Olympic Prizes: Polsat TV and Plus Fund Their Own Bonuses for Medalists

Relations between the Polish Olympic Committee and its former business partners have deteriorated sharply. Telewizja Polsat and the Plus network, which recently withdrew their support for the PKOl, have decided to directly reward athletes. This is a reaction to the escalating conflict with the committee's chairman, Radosław Piesiewicz. Media describe this move as a "slap in the face" to the association's authorities, as the prizes will be paid out bypassing the committee's official channels. Particular attention is drawn to the case of Damian Żurek, the Polish speed skater, who will receive a dedicated financial gratification from the media giant. This situation is a consequence of earlier disputes over access to the image of Olympians. In February 2026, key sponsorship agreements expired, and companies like Plus and Polsat decided not to renew them, citing a lack of transparency in fund management and controversial personnel decisions within the committee. Meanwhile, Radosław Piesiewicz has sent letters to the Minister of Sport and Tourism and the Prime Minister, appealing for cooperation in organizing the Games in Poland, which commentators see as an attempt to get ahead of the image crisis. Tensions between state and private sponsors and Polish sports associations date back to the 1990s, but an open confrontation where a sponsor funds prizes alongside the official committee has no historical precedent in the Third Polish Republic. Simultaneously, political tension is growing in the winter sports world. Already fourteen countries, including Germany and Poland, are actively boycotting Russian participation in international competitions, which is met with sharp reactions from the Kremlin. An additional shadow over the upcoming Paralympic Games has been cast by an audacious theft of equipment. Professional curling stones have disappeared from the athletes' village, forcing organizers to implement emergency procedures just before the start of the competition. „Czas na działanie ponad podziałami w sprawie polskiej kandydatury do organizacji igrzysk.” (It's time for action beyond divisions regarding Poland's bid to host the Games.) — Radosław Piesiewicz Outside the country, public attention is focused on Hungary, where the TISZA party is gaining in polls, threatening Viktor Orbán's long-standing dominance. Polish diplomacy and opposition conservative groups are closely following these shifts, hoping to maintain stability in the region, which is crucial for the common defense policy on NATO's eastern flank.