Motor Lublin is demanding explanations from the PZPN Referees' College following a series of controversial refereeing decisions aided by VAR. The Lublin-based club published an official letter on Thursday, 3 September 2026, on its website Motor Lublin.eu, pointing to specific errors that affected the outcomes of matches against Pogoń Szczecin and Legia Warszawa.

The club, currently sitting in 15th place in the Ekstraklasa table with just 5 points from six matches, emphasizes that every lost point has direct financial and sporting consequences. The team's recent form is LDWLL, with a goal difference of 6 scored and 10 conceded. Leaders Lech Poznań are already eight points ahead of Motor.

What VAR errors does Motor Lublin point to?

The first incident occurred on 8 August 2026 during the Pogoń Szczecin - Motor Lublin league match. A goal for the hosts was awarded despite an offside position, which was later confirmed by the PZPN Referees' College itself in an official statement on 11 August. The second, even more damaging case, happened on 1 September in the Polish Cup match against Legia Warszawa. Referee Piotr Lasyk, assisted by VAR officials Kornel Paszkiewicz and Marcin Boniek, did not award a legitimately scored goal by Motor.

Motor Lublin argues that the assessment of contact between its player and Legia's goalkeeper was an evaluative decision, requiring an on-field review by the main referee. The VAR team, having access to multiple camera angles and replays, however confirmed the on-field decision. The club is demanding access to the communication log and justification for this call.

Why is the club demanding the exclusion of Kornel Paszkiewicz?

Motor Lublin highlights a recurring pattern. Kornel Paszkiewicz also served as a VAR official in the match against Wisła Płock on 8 November 2025, where his intervention led to a goal by Mathieu Scaleta being disallowed. The repeated involvement of the same official in decisions cancelling Motor's goals undermines trust in the impartiality of the entire system.

The President of the Management Board of Motor Lublin S.A., Zbigniew Jakubas, stated: "Motor Lublin does not contest the results of matches played." The club has formally requested Paszkiewicz's exclusion from officiating first-team matches in all competitions and roles.

What are the financial consequences of refereeing errors?

The investment in the VAR system, estimated at tens of millions of zloty for setup and a multi-million annual budget, was meant to improve the quality and consistency of officiating. Motor Lublin stresses that the number and significance of errors in the PKO BP Ekstraklasa have not decreased. One incorrect verdict can nullify huge investments in the squad, academy, infrastructure, and management professionalization.

Points directly translate to league position, which influences media rights revenue, bonuses, European qualification, sponsorship contract values, and player valuations. In the cup, where matches are single-legged, elimination is irreversible. The club expects the Referees' College to treat these consequences as seriously as the clubs that bear them.

What are the club's next steps and the season's context?

Motor Lublin has demanded a detailed analysis of both incidents and a written position from the Referees' College within 7 days. If no satisfactory response is received, the matter will be escalated to the PZPN Board, Ekstraklasa S.A., and the club will initiate legal proceedings regarding material damages. This is already the second such letter; after the Wisła Płock match, the club received only an evasive reply.

The club, backed by sponsors like Perła, Maspo, Mennica Polska, LV BET, with technical sponsor Macron and premium sponsor BP Tour, is undergoing rapid development. The next challenge for the team is on 12 December 2026, when they will face Widzew Łódź, currently 13th in the table, at home. Ahead of this clash, it's worth checking the current squad and fixtures list.