In the spotlight: Michał Listkiewicz

Heading an institution widely seen as corrupt and a sanctuary for officials with communist-era mentalities, Listkiewicz has been accused of tolerating corruption and not undertaking any reforms to modernize Polish soccer. With the corruption scandal in Poland in full swing, in January he was suspended along with the PZPN's whole executive board, only to be recalled two months later, after the world's soccer-regulation body, FIFA, threatened to suspend Poland from international competition.

Then came April 18, 2007, and the surprise decision by UEFA to give Poland and Ukraine the rights to host the continent's championships in 2012. It was a huge triumph for Listkiewicz, one of the strongest advocates of the joint candidacy. After the decision, Listkiewicz confirmed his earlier statement that he would not run for President of PZPN again when the elections come later in the year. However, he expressed willingness to act as a liaison between the future organizing committee of Euro 2012 and UEFA, where he has many contacts.

Prior to becoming the head of PZPN in 1999, Listkiewicz had been the organisation's deputy secretary general, and then its secretary general (1995-98). He was also a renowned soccer referee, presiding over games in the 1990 and 1994 World Cups, as well as in the 1988 European Championships. He was a linesman during the final World Cup game in 1990.