The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) is ready to reconsider its proposal for the new world calendar, which envisages moving major national team tournaments to the winter. This was stated by the president of the federation, Fabio Azevedo, in an exclusive interview for the Italian Corriere dello Sport, published on November 4.
To journalist Pasquale Di Santillo, the Brazilian assured that a final decision has not yet been made and that all interested parties will be heard. After analyzing the received opinions, FIVB will present a revised version of the calendar, and the final decision is expected by the end of 2026.
A response to Gino Sirci and European clubs
The statement comes amidst the growing #NoClubsNoVolley campaign, organized by Perugia president Gino Sirci. As Volleyweek.bg has already reported, the Italian businessman claims that his initiative is supported by 30 European clubs, including Bulgarian Levski Sofia and Neftochimic 2010 Burgas.
In the interview, Azevedo acknowledges the key role of clubs but emphasizes that national teams are also vital for the popularity and development of volleyball. According to him, the opposition between the two sides is not a solution, and the international federation must find a balance between their interests.
"We are not owners of this sport. No one is. We are only its temporary guardians," states the FIVB president to Corriere dello Sport.
Why is FIVB insisting on changes?
Azevedo explains the proposal for winter world and continental championships with the oversaturated summer sports calendar. According to him, moving the tournaments could ensure a larger television audience, new markets, and additional revenue.
However, he specifies that such a change will only be undertaken if it truly brings benefits to world volleyball.
As an argument for the development of international competitions, the president points to data for the Nations League in 2026. According to the statistics presented by him, the tournament reached a television audience of 609 million viewers – an increase of 194% compared to the previous year.
Azevedo also defends the decision for world championships to be held every two years with the participation of 32 national teams, as he believes this provides more opportunities for the development of volleyball in different countries.
Promise of dialogue, but not a refusal of reform
Despite criticisms regarding player workload and the interruption of club championships, the FIVB president is not withdrawing the proposal for the new calendar.
He promises that the objections of clubs, coaches, and volleyball players will be considered, but for now, he does not specify concrete changes or guarantees for additional recovery time for players.
Fabio Azevedo is well-known to the Bulgarian volleyball community as well. In October 2022, he visited Sofia as FIVB General Director for the celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of organized volleyball in Bulgaria.
The upcoming revised project will show whether the promised dialogue will lead to real concessions to European clubs, or whether FIVB will maintain the main parameters of the proposed reform.