‼️If you wish to publish an Italian translation of this article, any of our other articles, or ANY PART OF THEM, please cite the original source. PLAGIARISM IS ILLEGAL ⛔️
The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) appears to be taking a step back in the increasingly heated debate over its proposed international calendar, confirming on November 7 that a revised version is now in development.
After receiving objections from clubs, professional leagues, national federations and players, the governing body has acknowledged the need to reconsider its initial proposal. However, while the announcement signals a willingness to listen, it does not yet guarantee that the most controversial elements will be changed.
The statement came just one day after Italy’s men’s and women’s professional leagues, together with the Associazione Italiana Pallavolisti (AIP), united in opposition to the reform under the slogan “No Clubs, No Players, No Volley.” Their joint declaration highlighted concerns over athletes’ physical and mental well-being, the value of domestic championships and the long-term sustainability of the entire volleyball ecosystem.
According to the FIVB, extensive consultations with stakeholders worldwide have been underway since May 2026 as part of the development of the international calendar for 2029–2032. The federation now intends to prepare a second version before presenting it to the relevant parties and submitting it for final approval by the FIVB Administrative Council.
“After gathering and listening to the opinions received from the entire volleyball community, we are developing a second version of the calendar, which will be presented to stakeholders before being submitted for final approval by the FIVB Administrative Council,” the federation stated.
The FIVB also clarified that the calendar will not be put to a vote during the World Congress scheduled for November 2026, contrary to concerns that a final decision could be imminent. The federation hopes to complete the proposal by the end of the year, while stressing that ensuring the document is properly prepared remains its priority. The reform, therefore, is still under discussion, and no final decision has been taken.
One of the most notable aspects of the statement is the federation’s acknowledgement that reaching a consensus across the entire volleyball community may prove impossible. The FIVB admitted that not every stakeholder’s expectations can be met, but expressed confidence that the revised proposal will address the main concerns raised and establish the best possible balance for the sport. It also reiterated its commitment to protecting the interests of athletes, national federations, clubs and leagues, stating that any changes must ultimately serve volleyball’s global development.
The Italian opposition, however, is rooted in concrete concerns. In their November 6 joint statement, the professional leagues and players’ association identified three major problems with the initial proposal: an increased workload for athletes, a reduction in the value of domestic championships and the failure to address the structural issue of national competitions being compressed into approximately seven months.
Particularly controversial is the proposed interruption of club competitions during December and January, a period traditionally crucial for attendance, sponsorship, television rights and fan engagement. Italian organisations argue that redistributing fixtures between club and international volleyball without extending the domestic season would only intensify the pressure on players while undermining the competitions that sustain the sport financially and competitively.
The resistance had already begun before the joint declaration, with Perugia president Gino Sirci among the most vocal opponents. His warnings focused on the potential financial consequences for clubs, adding another dimension to a debate that extends beyond players’ recovery time and match frequency.
Despite the FIVB’s more conciliatory tone, its latest statement contains no concrete indication of which elements of the original proposal might be reconsidered. It remains unclear whether the winter break for domestic championships will be removed, whether national leagues will be granted a longer competitive window or how the increased workload on athletes will be addressed.
Another discrepancy remains unresolved: the FIVB refers to a calendar covering 2029–2032, while the Italian organisations’ opposition concerns a proposal for 2028–2032. No official clarification has yet been provided regarding the difference in the periods cited.
The next crucial step will be the presentation of the revised calendar to the stakeholders involved. Only then will it become possible to assess whether the objections raised by clubs and players have led to substantial changes or whether the federation has primarily adjusted its approach to defending the project.
The FIVB has concluded its statement by reaffirming its intention to listen, adapt and work alongside the volleyball community in the interest of the sport’s long-term development. For now, however, the central question remains unanswered: will clubs and players receive meaningful guarantees for the future of domestic championships, or will they once again be expected to adapt to an international calendar designed at the federation’s level?
__________________
👀|QUICK LINKS
• All International news 🗞️
• Multimedia
• Facebook
• Instagram
__________________