The leaders of the Italian Lega Pallavolo Serie A and Lega Volley Femminile clubs have issued a joint statement, unequivocally opposing the discussed possibility of national team international tournaments being held between December and February, when the club season is in full swing. According to them, such a move would deal a serious blow to national championships and jeopardize their normal course. The two leagues warn that interrupting the championships due to national team commitments will disrupt team preparation, increase the risk of injuries, and make the already overloaded international calendar practically unmanageable. The statement emphasizes that clubs are the backbone of volleyball because they invest in player development, provide jobs, and maintain the economic stability of the sport. For this reason, club presidents insist that the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) abandon the idea of organizing international competitions during the active club season. They further warn that any decision that undermines the sporting and economic value of national championships will be entirely the responsibility of those who make it. In conclusion, the Italian clubs are adamant that the protection of national championships is non-negotiable, as strong club championships guarantee the sustainable development, prestige, and future of world volleyball. The joint declaration of Lega Pallavolo Serie A and Lega Volley Femminile is the first such strong reaction from a leading club championship against possible changes in the international calendar and could become a starting point for a broader debate in European and world volleyball.

graphic: volleyweek.bg