Balicki -Żmudzinski Case. During the latest meeting of the PZBS (PBU -Polish Bridge Union) Board, held in Warsaw on 13th July 2017, the President discussed the case of the proceedings against the pair Cezary Balicki – Adam Żmudziński: The appeal of the two Polish players has been referred to a Disciplinary Committee composed of Marek Małysa (chairman), Witold Stachnik and Igor Chalupec.
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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 2 April 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.”
On 31 May 2017 PBU ordered a retrial against pair Cezary Balicki – Adam Żmudziński: Witold Stachnik, President of the Polish Bridge Union (PBU), referred the case to the Department of Discipline PBU to establish whether the pair had used illegal methods of communication during the bridge competition.
On 22 June 2017 PBU has published the Decision of the Department of Discipline on Balicki – Żmudzinski Case: The Departmentod Discipline rules: 1. After analysing the collected material, to acknowledge the undisputed fact of the illegal transmission of information during the play by pair Cezary Balicki – Adam Żmudziński; 2. To refrain from punishing the accused due to expiry of the limitation of the offences referred to in § 11 sec. 2 Disciplinary Rules.