The division between two of the strongest volleyball championships in the world is becoming increasingly clear. While Italian clubs are opposing the changes to the world calendar proposed by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), the Polish Professional Volleyball League (PLS) has officially insisted on the fastest possible reform of the current system.
On November 2, the PLS Management Board published a statement confirming that the Polish side had already officially responded to the FIVB's proposals. The position was developed after discussions with club presidents, held more than two months ago, and consultations with the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV).
The document comes at a time when Perugia president Gino Sirci and the Italian clubs supporting him are campaigning against the idea of moving major national team tournaments to the winter months.
Poland: The current calendar hinders the development of volleyball
According to the Polish league, dividing the year into two independent periods – club and national – creates serious problems for the organization of championships and the health of athletes.
Concentrating club matches in a limited period leads to excessive workload and hinders the development of other tournaments, including the Polish Cup.
The situation is particularly difficult for national team players, who must reach peak form at least twice in the summer – for the Nations League and for the next major international championship. After that, they practically begin their six-month commitments with clubs without full pre-season preparation.
The Polish league warns that the problem takes on particularly serious dimensions in Olympic years, when the international program includes the Nations League, the Olympic tournament, and continental championships.
Five months without volleyball for players outside national teams
Another problem addressed in the official position is the prolonged break for players who do not participate in national teams.
For them, the club season ends at the latest in May, and sometimes significantly earlier. The next official matches are not until October.
According to the PLS, this limits development opportunities even for high-class volleyball players who remain without competitive practice for several months.
Football as an example for change
The Polish league insists on immediate action and proposes using successful organizational solutions from other sports, including football.
"The Polish Professional Volleyball League recommends taking urgent action and ending the stagnation that has lasted for years," states the concluding part of the official statement.
The PLS confirms that Polish clubs remain in constant contact with the FIVB and CEV and are ready to participate in further discussions about the future of the international calendar.
One problem, two opposing positions
While Gino Sirci and the Italian clubs supporting him warn of the risks of interrupting national championships in winter, the Polish side believes that the current division between club and national season is already causing serious damage.
This is the essential difference between the two approaches. Italian resistance is directed against the consequences of the proposed reform, while the Polish league insists that maintaining the current model is not acceptable.
The official statement of the PLS does not contain unconditional approval of all specific FIVB proposals, but it strongly supports the need for rapid change.
