Fabio Azevedo responds to Sirci: FIVB’s new calendar is not final

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The FIVB’s proposed international calendar is not set in stone.
President Fabio Azevedo has confirmed that the federation is prepared to reconsider its plans, signalling a willingness to revise the controversial proposal amid growing opposition from European clubs.
He stressed that no final decision has been made and that all stakeholders will have the opportunity to express their concerns. After evaluating the feedback received, the FIVB intends to present a revised version of the calendar, with a definitive decision expected by the end of 2026.

His comments come as the #NoClubsNoVolley campaign, led by Perugia president Gino Sirci, continues to gather momentum.
Sirci has claimed that around 30 European clubs are supporting his initiative. Their opposition centres on the potential impact of the proposed changes on club competitions and the workload placed on professional players.
Azevedo recognises that clubs are fundamental to volleyball, but insists that national teams are equally important to the sport’s global popularity and development. He believes the debate should not become a confrontation between the two sides, arguing that the federation must find a way to protect their respective interests.

“We are not owners of this sport. No one is. We are only its temporary guardians,” he stated, emphasising that volleyball’s future must be approached as a shared responsibility.

The proposed move of major world and continental national-team competitions to the winter is partly motivated by the increasingly crowded summer sporting calendar. According to Azevedo, changing the timing of these tournaments could help volleyball attract larger television audiences, reach new markets and generate additional revenue. However, he made clear that the reform should only proceed if it delivers genuine benefits for the sport.
As evidence of volleyball’s growing international reach, the FIVB president highlighted the reported figures for the 2026 Nations League. The competition recorded a television audience of 609 million viewers, representing a 194 per cent increase compared with the previous year.

Azevedo also defended the decision to stage the World Championships every two years, with 32 national teams participating. In his view, the expanded format gives more countries the opportunity to develop their programmes and gain exposure at the highest international level.
Despite acknowledging concerns over player fatigue and the potential disruption of domestic club seasons, Azevedo has not abandoned the proposed calendar reform. Nor has he outlined specific amendments or offered concrete guarantees regarding additional recovery time for players.
For now, the FIVB president is promising consultation rather than a retreat from the project. Clubs, coaches and athletes will be invited to contribute to the process, but the extent to which their objections will influence the final proposal remains unclear.

For Sirci and the clubs supporting #NoClubsNoVolley, the decisive issue will be whether the promised dialogue produces substantial changes rather than merely acknowledging their concerns. Azevedo has opened the door to revisions, but the real test will come with the presentation of the updated calendar. Until then, the debate over the balance between club and international volleyball is far from over.

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