The probe launched in March 2021, focuses on irregularities in the Polish Football Association’s (PZPN) sponsorship contracts and financial management which cost it more than €230,000 during his tenure as president.

The National Prosecutors Office said that Boniek “from November 2014 to August 2021, as president of the Polish Football Association, acting jointly and in concert with other persons, caused financial damage of great magnitude to the Polish Football Association.”

It added that Boniek was also accused of “abusing his powers in the area of contract negotiation and failing to fulfill his obligations in the area of taking care of the PZPN's property.”

Appearing before prosecutors in Szczecin, northwestern Poland, on Monday, the 68-year-old who served as president of the Polish Football Association from 2012 to 2021 denied all accusations.

Taking to social media, he called the situation politically driven. He wrote: “No charges, just a contrived political allegation.”

The case links to a broader corruption probe that initially focused on public tenders in the West Pomerania region in northwest Poland. Investigators discovered ties between that scandal and sponsorship deals signed by PZPN under Boniek's leadership.

In November 2022, several former PZPN officials, including Secretary General Maciej Sawicki, were arrested. Sawicki also denied wrongdoing, claiming the charges were baseless and politically driven.

Investigators expect to complete the probe by the end of 2024, with a trial likely to follow.

A fading star

Zbigniew Boniek started his career in Poland, winning two league titles and scoring 50 goals before moving to Juventus in 1982. With the Italian club, he won a Serie A title, the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, and the European Champion Clubs' Cup.

Internationally, Boniek debuted for Poland at 20 and played in three World Cups. His standout moment was a hat-trick against Belgium in 1982, leading Poland to third place.

Boniek retired from football in 1988 finishing his career playing at AS Roma. He became the UEFA vice-president in 2022.