The Polish volleyball giantZAKSA Kędzierzyn-Koźlewill not participate in the Challenge Cup. The club cited organizational and strategic reasons for its refusal, and will instead apply for awild card for the Champions League. This was reported by the websitesiatka.org.

After the unstable 2023/2024 season and a fifth-place finish in the PlusLiga, ZAKSA tried to return to its peak form with the help of new coachAndrea Gianiand the transfer ofBartosz Kurek. Despite hopes for a return to the European stage, the club announced that it would not participate in the Challenge Cup, as its ambitions remain focused on the highest level of European volleyball.

In an official statement, ZAKSA's management emphasized that past successes – a three-time title in theChampions League (2021, 2022, 2023)– and continuous work for the development of volleyball are reasons for applying to participate in the most prestigious tournament in the new season as well.

Jadwiga Cichoń, the club's president, stated:

"ZAKSA is a club with great ambitions. Our goal has always been to fight for the highest honors. We believe that we have a place among the best teams in Europe and are ready for new challenges."

The team will focus on its performance in the domestic championship, while undergoing significant changes –Bartosz Kurek, Marcin Janusz, David Smith, and Erik Shojiwill leave the club.

photo: siatka.org