New rules for the number of foreign players in Turkish volleyball (2025-2027)

Expectations before each season

With the start of each new volleyball season in Turkey, one of the most discussed issues in the sports community is related to the regulations concerning foreign players. The Turkish Volleyball Federation traditionally sets the framework within which teams can structure their rosters. During the 2024–2025 season, this rule was formulated as3+2, allowing a dynamic, yet limited use of foreign athletes.

What was until now – season 2024–2025

• Maximum3 foreigners on the court during a match.

• In the match squad (14 people)up to 4 foreigners.

• Teams with more than 4 registered foreign players had to leave at least one out of the match squad.

The championship season forVakıfBank women's team, which concluded under the 3+2 regulation, showed the effectiveness, but also the limitations of the old model.

What changes from the 2025–2026 season

Sultanlar League and Efeler League

• Up to 5 foreigners can be included in the 14-person match squad.

• Maximum 3 foreignerscan be on the field at the same time.

• This new rule is known as3+3– 3 on the field, 3 reserves.

📌This change gives more flexibility to coaches and increases competition in the leagues, while maintaining the on-field limit, with the aim of protecting the development of local players.

First League

• Teams will be able to register3 foreign players.

• Both in the match group and on the field, the rule2+1will apply:

  • 2 foreigners on the field at the same time.

  • 3 in the group of 14 people.

Change for the 2026–2027 season as well

In the 2026–2027 season, there will be a further expansion of the limits:

Sultanlar and Efeler Leagues

• Allowed up to6 foreigners in the match group.

• Still a maximum of 3 on the court simultaneously.

🟡 This stage marks a gradual transition to a more open selection, with the Turkish Federation balancing between developing domestic talent and the presence of high-quality foreign volleyball players.

Conclusion

The Turkish Volleyball Federation is gradually loosening restrictions on foreign players, but without neglecting the need for the development of local talent. The new rules affect both the elite leagues and the lower divisions and will require adaptation from both clubs and coaching staff.

🎯 The question is no longer how many foreigners can be registered, but how they can be most effectively used on the court.