Pogoń Szczecin owner initiates criminal probe and legal action over 75 million PLN debt

Investigation into former club leadership

Pogoń Szczecin owner Alex Haditaghi announced on Wednesday evening that the prosecutor's office has initiated a criminal investigation into individuals connected with the Polish football club's previous management. The inquiry focuses on actions taken between February 2025 and 20 March 2025, a window when the club operated under a two-person board. Haditaghi stated on social media platform X that he intends to hold accountable those responsible for actions causing financial harm to the club.

I can now confirm that the prosecutor's office has launched a criminal investigation regarding a certain person or persons connected with the management, supervisory structures, or persons associated with them in the period from February 2025 to 20 March 2025.

Haditaghi stated that the club will not comment publicly on specific evidentiary material, formal charges, or named targets while the investigation remains active. He maintained that the organization will respect formal legal procedures and collaborate directly with law enforcement authorities.

Anyone who believes they can steal from Pogoń, cheat Pogoń, abuse their position or harm this club without consequences has seriously misunderstood my commitment. We will protect Pogoń Szczecin. We will follow the evidence. And where the evidence justifies legal action, we will pursue it.

Management transitions and debt findings

The inquiry covers a period of governance directly preceding Haditaghi's acquisition of the Ekstraklasa side. Long-time owner Jarosław Mroczek sold Pogoń Szczecin to Nilo Effori and Karol Zaborowski, who established a two-person management board where Effori served as president and Zaborowski as vice-president. That leadership structure remained in place until Haditaghi acquired the club from Effori on 21 March 2025.

Following the takeover, an examination of the club's accounts revealed accumulated liabilities amounting to 75 million PLN. Haditaghi posted an image alongside his statement depicting Mroczek, Effori, and Zaborowski, pointing to the leadership transition that occurred between winter and spring 2025.

Legal proceedings against Dariusz Adamczuk

In addition to the inquiry into executive management, Haditaghi disclosed preparations for distinct legal proceedings involving former sporting director Dariusz Adamczuk and his wife. Adamczuk served as sporting director from July 2018 until Haditaghi dismissed him one month after completing the takeover in spring 2025. Prior to his directorship, Adamczuk led the club's youth academy.

Separately, the club and its lawyers have also begun preparations for other legal actions regarding the club's former sporting director, Dariusz Adamczuk, and his wife. We are not disclosing the substance of these allegations at this time.

Haditaghi noted that these claims will proceed through formal judicial channels, with additional information to be released only when legally appropriate.

Prosecution review and legal counsel

To manage the legal actions, Pogoń Szczecin retained a Szczecin-based criminal defense attorney who previously worked as a prosecutor. The club indicated that this counsel is leading the coordination with investigative authorities regarding both the board-level inquiry and the matter involving Adamczuk.

The District Prosecutor's Office in Szczecin confirmed receipt of the notification and is reviewing administrative jurisdiction. District prosecutor spokesperson Julia Szozda stated that authorities are working to determine which regional branch will formally oversee the case, noting that procedural assignment depends on the classification of the alleged offenses.