The Italian websitevolleyball.itpublished an analysis and forecast regarding the new structure of the Men's Volleyball Champions League for the 2025/2026 season. Among the most discussed topics is the possibility of Levski Sofia being excluded from the group stage, despite expectations for direct participation. The news has already spread across all social networks.

⚠️ Important: This information has not been confirmed by the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV) and does not appear in official announcements or documents oncev.eu.

🔍 What does the speculation state?

According tovolleyball.it, the publication of the new CEV rules has led to changes in the draws, with the introduction of "wild card" invitations. This, according to the website, seems to place Levski Sofia and Montpellier outside the main phase of the tournament, while Galatasaray moves up to the second pot.

This would mean that Levski will not participate directly in the group stage, even though weeks ago a number of media reported that the Bulgarian champion was among the sure participants.

🆚 Forecast vs. Reality

At this stage:

• There is no official confirmation from CEV that Levski has been excluded.

• No final list of teams in the group stage has been published.

In this context, the information remains a speculation, based on preliminary analysis and internal sources, until the official list is published by CEV.

🧩 What does the group stage structure look like according to volleyball.it

A total of 20 teams, divided into 4 pots as follows:

🥇 First Pot

• Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie (POL)

• Bogdanka LUK Lublin (POL)

• Itas Trentino (ITA)

• Cucine Lube Civitanova (ITA)

• Berlin Recycling Volleys (GER)

🥈 Second Pot (incl. Galatasaray)

• PGE Projekt Warszawa (POL)

• Sir Safety Susa Perugia (ITA)

• Ziraat Bankası Ankara (TUR)

• SVG Lüneburg (GER)

• Galatasaray Istanbul (TUR) according to the site, promoted from a lower pot

🥉 Third Pot

• Tours VB (FRA)

• Knack Volley Roeselare (BEL)

• Volley Haasrode Leuven (BEL)

• VK Lvi Praha (CZE)

• Sporting Lisbona (POR)

❓ Fourth Pot (with Wild Card)

• Wild Card

• Wild Card

• Wild Card

• Qualifying team

• Qualifying team

Among the teams considering applying for a wild card are:

• Montpellier (FRA)

• Piacenza (ITA)

• Halkbank (TUR)

🗣 What's next?

Until the official scheme is announced by CEV, all claims regarding Levski's absence should be considered unconfirmed information. The club or the federation have not made any statements on the matter so far.

✅ Conclusion

A full and confirmed list of participants is expected to be published in the coming weeks. Until then, this topic remains open. The draw will take place on July 15 in Luxembourg.