The Bulgarian Volleyball Federation has published an official statement regarding Kalina Veneva's absence from the women's national team's preparation for the European Championship, as well as the case with Maria Koleva. Thus, the federation for the first time presented its point of view on the two cases, about whichVolleyWeek.bghas already informed its readers.
Even before the start of the national team's camp,VolleyWeek.bgwas the first to report that 17-year-old outside hitter Kalina Veneva would not participate in EuroVolley 2026. At that time, the player's mother, Petya Veneva, told our media that the decision was dictated by the need for the young volleyball player to get a full rest after an extremely busy season, as well as to fully recover from accumulated minor injuries before the start of her professional career at Italy's Millenium (Brescia). According to her, the federation's management had been informed in advance of the decision.
In its statement today, however, the BFV emphasizes that the communication on the matter was solely for informational purposes, and not for consultation, as the federation claims it was publicly presented.
The federation clarifies that Veneva received an official call-up from coach Marcello Abbondanza for the preparation for the European Championship, but did not appear at the initial camp, which started on July 27 in Hristo Botev Hall. Already during Bulgaria's participation in the Volleyball Nations League, a written notification was received by the federation that the player would not participate in the preparation and the European Championship, with the reasons being accumulated fatigue after the difficult season and the need to recover from accumulated injuries.
In addition to Veneva's case, the BFV also draws attention to Maria Koleva. As we also first reported when the squad for the preparation was announced, the outside hitter dropped out of the group for EuroVolley 2026. Now the federation reveals that upon her arrival at the camp for the Volleyball Nations League, Koleva informed the coaching staff that she had planned medical examinations abroad during the tournament. According to the BFV, this happened without the opinion of the national teams' medical staff and without a pre-filled mandatory medical questionnaire, which is sent to all national players.
The federation states that it cannot accept the practice of a national player or their family independently making decisions related to medical assessment, treatment, or recovery, without considering the opinion of the national team's medical staff.
At the same time, the BFV emphasizes that it respects the right of players and their families to participate in decisions related to their health and development, but reminds that participation in national teams is associated with clear rules, procedures, and responsibilities that must be applied equally to all national team members.
In conclusion, the federation announces that the two cases will be submitted for consideration by the BFV Management Board, which will analyze all facts and circumstances, and then decide whether sanctions should be imposed in both cases.