The pair have been arrested after allegedly accepting bribes from companies involved in organising the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) World Championships in Poland in August and September.

Miroslaw Przedpelski, a 63-year-old former player who has led the body since 2004 and is also vice-president of the European Volleyball Confederation, and deputy Arthur Popko, will be held for three months as a further investigation takes place.

The owner of a security firm based in southern Poland, identified only as Cezary P due to Polish privacy laws, has also been arrested on suspicion of corruption.

In a statement by the Central Anti-Corruption Office, it was revealed both officials have been charged with accepting bribes, with the security owner accused of offering them zł980,000 PLN (£186,000/$290,000/€232,000) in exchange for working at the Championships.

If found guilty, all three face a jail sentence of up to 12 years.

The news has provoked outrage in Poland, and, with neither having yet resigned, the Executive Committee believe they should be removed from their positions as soon as possible in order to salvage the reputation of the organisation.

The news comes just weeks after Poland became the first host country to win a Men's World Championships since Czechoslovakia in 1966 ©Getty Images



This recommendation has now been put forward to the PZPS Board, who will meet to make further decisions tomorrow. 

PZPS Board member Witold Roman insisted the governing body remains able to perform its duties, and will comply fully with the investigation.

But, considering the success of the World Championships, described as "an iconic and historic tournament for world volleyball" by FIVB President Ary S Graça following the final on September 17, in which hosts Poland shocked Brazil 3-1, the news is a major blow both for the sport and for Poland's reputation as an organiser of major sporting events.

Przedpelski has served as vice-president of the European Volleyball Confederation since 2011, but neither the continental or world bodies are taking any action until they have received more information. 

"The FIVB has been made aware of the situation concerning Mirosław Przedpełski and is waiting for clarification from both the Polish Volleyball Federation and Mirosław Przedpełski himself," the International Federation told insidethegames in a statement.

"The FIVB will not be making any further comment on this until clarification has been received."

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