The protest against the reform of the international calendar for the period 2028–2032 proposed by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) moved from social networks and official declarations to the volleyball court. The Italian Supercup in Parma became the scene of organized discontent against the planned changes.
Before the start of the semi-final matches on Saturday (November 14) in the "PalaRaschi" hall, banners were raised with the message#NoClubsNoPlayersNoVolley. The initiative was jointly organized by the Italian Men's Professional League, the Women's Volleyball League, and the Italian Volleyball Players' Association (AIP).
Immediately before the start of the match, the announcer in the hall read out the official position of the three organizations, which expressed categorical disagreement with the FIVB's proposal.
"The Italian Men's Professional League, the Women's Volleyball League, and the Italian Volleyball Players' Association jointly express their disagreement with the FIVB's proposal for the international calendar for the period 2028–2032 and warn of the risks to the physical and mental health of athletes, as well as to the sustainability of the entire volleyball movement," the declaration states.
The message concludes with a categorical warning:
"Any international reform must stem from an unconditional principle shared by leagues and athletes: because without clubs, without male and female volleyball players, there can be no volleyball."
The reading of the declaration was met with prolonged applause from the audience. Organized supporters also backed the initiative with their banners.
The main objections of Italian clubs and athletes are related to the increased workload, insufficient recovery time, and the proposed interruption of national championships in December and January. According to them, the reform will not solve the problem of the excessively short club season, but will further complicate the organization of domestic championships.

The protest in Parma is a continuation of the general campaign that began on November 6. Italian clubs and volleyball players insist that the FIVB reconsider its proposal, placing the health of athletes and the sustainable development of club volleyball at the center of the future international calendar.
The International Federation is expected to present a revised version of the calendar by the end of 2026. Meanwhile, the Italian Volleyball Players' Association does not rule out strike actions if the main objections remain unanswered.

photos: Nikolay Varadinov