Widzew Lodz were told in January they would be relegated by one division at the end of the season after being found guilty of attempting to bribe referees in 12 matches in the 2004/05 season - which they spent in the second division.

But on Wednesday, Poland's Olympic committee decided to reinstate the club into the Ekstraklasa after Widzew, who had pleaded guilty, contested the severity of the decision.

Andrzej Rusko, chairman of the Ekstraklasa, confirmed: "The first round of the championship is suspended."

A decision on Zaglebie Lubin, also found guily of corruption charges, is expected on August 22.

A statement from the Polish football association (PZPN) described the committee's decision as "extremely irresponsible".

Organisers hope the issue will be resolved in time for next week's fixtures to go ahead as scheduled.

The Ekstraklasa had been due to begin on Friday with Arka Gdynia due to host Polonia Warszawa and Ruch Chorzow due to travel to Wisla Krakow.