Poland is often described as the country where volleyball is a true religion. However, full halls, strong championships, and immense interest in the game do not guarantee financial security for clubs. Just a few months after one of the men's giants – Jastrzębski Węgiel – withdrew from PlusLiga due to severe financial problems, today alarming news comes from the women's TAURON Liga.
After the meeting of the Municipal Council in Mogilno, held on Wednesday (July 29), the president of Sokół Mogilno, Agnieszka Laskowska, made an emotional statement in which she admitted that the future of the club is under serious question.
"The situation is very difficult. I don't know if I will be able to submit the documents for the license. And even if I do, I am seriously considering withdrawing the team from TAURON Liga due to lack of budget," Laskowska said with tears in her eyes to local media.
According to her, the club is short of about 200,000 zlotys to pay salaries for the last month, and no new funds have been received since May. In addition, Sokół continues to carry an accumulated deficit of about 1 million zlotys, which dates back to the team's first season in the elite league. The president points out that Mogilno has an excellent atmosphere, a modern hall, and loyal fans, but there are almost no companies willing to invest in professional volleyball.
Despite the alarming words of the club president, Mayor Karol Nawrot expressed confidence that Sokół will start the new season in TAURON Liga. He also announced a financial audit of the company, which should clarify the club's real financial situation.
The news inevitably recalls the events of this spring, when Jastrzębski Węgiel – one of the most successful clubs in Europe in recent years, multiple Polish champions and Champions League finalists – ceased the participation of its professional men's team after losing its strategic sponsor. At that time, the case caused a huge stir not only in Poland but also throughout European volleyball.
Although the two cases differ in scale, they show how strongly professional volleyball depends on financial stability. Even in a country like Poland, which many consider a benchmark in the development of club volleyball, the lack of sufficient funds can jeopardize the existence of both European giants and clubs from the women's elite.

photo:palukimogilno.pl