Pogoń Szczecin owner Jarosław Mroczek has launched a fierce attack on the Polish Football Association (PZPN) over the structure of the Polish Cup. His critical comments were made in an interview with Futbol.pl this week.
Mroczek labelled the current system "unfair" and "ill-conceived" for the country's top clubs. He argues the format favours teams from lower leagues, forcing Ekstraklasa sides to enter the competition at a later stage. "It's simply bad for Polish football," the Pogoń owner said, as quoted by Futbol.pl.
Why is the Polish Cup format an issue?
The core of Mroczek's complaint is calendar imbalance. Clubs from the top flight, especially those competing in European tournaments, face a congested fixture list. Additional domestic cup matches, often played midweek, place an excessive burden on players. The Pogoń owner contends this harms the quality of league play and reduces Polish teams' chances in international competitions.
Pogoń Szczecin, like other leading teams, must contend with this packed schedule. The port city club is currently preparing for its next league fixture. Pogoń's next Ekstraklasa match is at home against Śląsk Wrocław on November 21, 2026. The team's current fixtures schedule is publicly available.
What changes does the Pogoń owner propose?
Jarosław Mroczek isn't just criticizing. In his talk with Futbol.pl, he suggested specific modifications. In his view, Ekstraklasa teams should enter the cup competition at a later round, similar to solutions used in other major European leagues. This would grant them more time for recovery and better preparation for key matches.
The proposal aims to protect player welfare and raise sporting standards. Mroczek stresses the goal is the long-term development of Polish football, not short-term gains for any single club. His stance may find support among other owners who also complain about calendar overload.
What does this mean for the future of the competition?
Comments from an influential figure like Jarosław Mroczek will not go unnoticed. They could spark a broader discussion about reforming the Polish Cup. Decisions by the PZPN on this matter will be watched closely by all clubs involved in the competition.
For Pogoń Szczecin itself, the league remains the clear priority. Manager ...'s squad will look to use the upcoming international break to fine-tune tactics for the autumn part of the season. The team roster can be viewed on the official site in the squad section. Final decisions on the cup format will be made by the association's board, but the voice of club owners will certainly be considered. The team's next test is the home fixture against Śląsk Wrocław scheduled for November 21.
