PZPN

Franciszek Smuda was born on 22 June 1948. As a footballer he played for clubs such as Silesia Lubomia, Union Racibórz, Odra Wodzisław Śląski, Ruch Chorzów, Stal Mielec, Piast Gliwice and Legia Warsaw. In 1975 he left for the US, where he donned the jerseys of Vistula Garfield, Harford Bicentennials, Los Angeles Aztecs, Oakland Stompers and San Jose Earthquakes. He finished his football career in Germany, playing for SpVgg Greuther Fürth and VfR Coburg.

At the latter club he began an extensive coaching career. He led teams from the lower German leagues before moving to Turkey in 1989. There he was responsible for the results of Altay SK and Konyaspor Kulübü. In Poland, his first club as a coach was Stal Mielec. He also worked at Widzew Łódź, Wisła Kraków, Legia Warsaw, Piotrcovia Piotrków Trybunalski, Odra Wodzisław Śląski, Zagłębie Lubin, Lech Poznań, Górnik Łęczna and Wieczysta Kraków. In between, he also managed Cyprus' Omonia Nicosia and Germany's Jahn Regensburg.

With Widzew Łódź, he won two Polish championships (1996, 1997) and one Polish Super Cup (1996), and also advanced with them to the group stage of the Champions League. As coach of Wisła Kraków, he secured the national championship (1999), and with Lech Poznań, he won the Polish Cup (2009).

Polish fans must associate Franciszek Smuda with his work with the national team. He took over the helm in October 2009. He led the national team in 37 matches, 15 of which ended in victory, 13 in draws and 9 in defeat. Franciszek Smuda held the position of head coach during the UEFA EURO 2012 European championship, played in Poland and Ukraine.

To the Family, Friends and Loved Ones of Franciszek Smuda, the Polish Football Association extends our deepest condolences.