Opposition calls for sports minister dismissal over delayed World Cup qualifier
October 18, 2012
Right-wing opposition party Solidary Poland (SP) and left-wing Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) demand dismissal of Sports Minister Joanna Mucha in relation to the embarrassment Poland suffered when it was forced to put off the football match with England, party officials told reporters.
In a statement signed by SP leader Zbigniew Ziobro and sent to PAP Polish News agency Solidary Poland appealed to PM Donald Tusk to dismiss Mucha "as she was politically responsible for Poland's disgrace".
Ruling party Civic Platform (PO) politicians place the blame solely on the Polish football association PZPN and FIFA.
The World Cup qualifier between Poland and England was postponed and moved to Wednesday because of a waterlogged pitch in Warsaw. Heavy rain left large pools of water across the pitch at National Stadium ahead of kickoff in Tuesday's game.
Stadium officials decided not to close the retractable roof over the stadium despite the inclement forecast, and FIFA representatives decided to postpone the match after two pitch inspections.
Poland drew 1:1 with England in a Wednesday match held under the roof.