Today Witold Stachnik, President of the Polish Bridge Union (PBU), has released the followings:
On the basis of section 19 paragraph 1 letters a-e of the Disciplinary Regulations, PBU ordered a retrial against pair Cezary Balicki – Adam Żmudziński, who had already been judged by the Disciplinary Commission EBL. In connection with the new material evidence I refer the case to the Department of Discipline PBU to establish whether the pair had used illegal methods of communication during the bridge competition.
At the same time, I acknowledge that the outcome of the case by the PBU Department of Discipline may be purely symbolic, because even if found guilty, the disciplinary body will have to refrain from imposing penalties. This is because the time set by the statute of limitations has already expired.
Witold Stachnik
PBU President
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The full story
In September 2015 the WBF Credential Committee withdrew their invitation to the Bermuda Bowl in Chennai to the illustrious Polish stars, they were replaced by Piotr Gawrys and Michal Klukowski.
In May 2016 the European Bridge League (EBL) president, Mr Yves Aubry, decided to refer the case to the EBL Disciplinary Commission, “as the pair are suspected of committing infractions of the laws of Bridge”.
In February 2017 the EBL Disciplinary Commission posted its decision: ” The evidence does not sustain a conviction of Messrs Cezary Balicki and Adam Zmudzinski for illicit exchange of information through prearranged methods of communication during the Competition. No sanction shall be imposed on the Messrs Cezary Balicki and Adam Zmudzinski.”
Following the spread of a new video, on 9 March 2017 PBU (Polish Bridge Union) decided to open a new investigation on Cezary Balicki and Adam Zmudzinski.
On 10 March 2017 EBL released at Neapolitan Club the followings: “EBL is examining the video to determine whether there are grounds to open a new investigation. The decision will be taken after the EBL Executive Committee to be held in Lausanne at the end of March.”
On 20 March 2017 PBU officially announced the temporary suspension for Balicki and Zmudzinski.
On April 2, 2017 EBL released the followings: “The EBL is aware that a further investigation into the actions of Balicki-Zmudzinski has commenced and is awaiting its outcome.”