Zbigniew Boniek has been voted in as the new chairman of the Polish Football Association (PZPN). The former soccer player replaces Grzegorz Lato in the role.

In the second round of voting, conducted by delegates of the PZPN, Mr Boniek received 61 votes, meaning a potential further two rounds were not necessary.

His fellow competitors for the position, Edward Potok, Roman Kosecki and Zdzisław Kręcina, received 27, 15 and 13 votes respectively.

“I am truly touched, it really wasn't easy to win these elections,” Mr Boniek said.

Mr Boniek said he knew he was Polish soccer fans' favorite candidate and that all the faith shown in him would bring with it great responsibility. He said he wouldn't want all those people to be disappointed in four years' time, when the term comes to an end.

“We can't fix Polish soccer with a single change, but starting Monday we are going to be working very hard,” he added.

The former chairman of PZPN, Grzegorz Lato, resigned from his post earlier this year. His resignation came seven hours before the midnight deadline for prospective candidates for the PZPN presidential elections.

Mr Lato came under heavy criticism during his four years at the helm of Poland's soccer association, following allegations of corruption and Poland's poor performance on the pitch at Euro 2012.

Poland A.M.