FIVB officially confirmed that consultations for the new international calendar for the period 2029–2032 are ongoing. On August 17, the world headquarters announced that representatives of the clubs have now been included in the discussions, having been given the opportunity to review the concept and present their views.
The news comes amidst serious tension in Italy, where club leagues have already declared themselves against the proposed changes.VolleyWeek.bgwrote about their rebellion as early as July 30. Now, the detailed draft, published by the Italian publicationVolleyBall.it, shows why the reaction is so sharp.
FIVB itself defines the future calendar as a concept that is still under development. The world headquarters also announced that participants in the consultations will receive the relevant materials for the proposed project and will be able to submit their written opinions.
Four changes that could overturn the club season
1. Men's national teams get a winter window
Major international tournaments for men outside the VNL are moved towards the end of the year. In odd years, World Championship/World Cup are scheduled for November and December, and in even years – continental championships.
One example shows the scale of the change. According to the draft published byVolleyBall.it, in 2028, club championships could play until November 15. This is followed by an international window from November 16 to 29 and a Continental Cup from November 30 to December 17. Players return to clubs only from December 18.
2. For women, the break comes in January
For women, the logic is the same, but the international window is moved to the beginning of the year. In odd years, continental championships are scheduled there, and in even years – World Championship/World Cup.
In 2029, for example, club championships could play until January 3. This is followed by an international window from January 4 to 17 and a Continental Cup from January 18 to February 4. The club season could only resume on February 5.
3. The Club World Championship moves to May
Another serious change affects the Club World Championship. According to the draft, the tournament should be held in May in odd years – 2027, 2029, 2031, and 2033.
In 2029, for example, the periods indicated are May 7–20 for women and May 14–27 for men. Thus, the Club World Championship enters an extremely sensitive part of the season for the leading European championships.
4. VNL remains in the summer
The Volleyball Nations League continues to occupy the summer months – May, June, and July, with separate tournament and international windows. Periods for mandatory rest for athletes are also planned.
Why Italy said "no"
Thus, the big problem for clubs is already visible. National championships will not simply have to end earlier or start later. The club season will be interrupted on the fly due to major national team tournaments.
The Italian men's and women's leagues have already opposed such a concept, and Perugia president Gino Sirci was among its sharpest critics. For clubs, the issue is also economic – they pay the contracts of their stars, but risk being without them for extended periods in the middle of the season.
Following the reactions, FIVB continues consultations. On August 17, the headquarters announced that after the continental confederations, leading leagues, national federations, and clubs, the project is to be discussed with the Athletes' Commission, the Coaches' Commission, and the Volleyball Council.
Therefore, there is one essential clarification: this is still a draft, not a final adopted FIVB calendar.
But the published parameters already show why the dispute is so serious. If the basic concept is maintained, from the end of this decade, it won't just be a few international tournaments that are rearranged. The very rhythm of global club volleyball will be changed.
