Italian club Perugia protests new international volleyball calendar changes for 2028 and 2032.
Italian volleyball powerhouse Sir Safety Perugia officially launched a strong movement against upcoming global calendar changes. The club opposes proposed scheduling modifications for the 2028 to 2032 quadrennial, which threaten domestic competitions.
The primary complaint focuses on a scheduled international window in December and January. This forced period of national team matches would interrupt domestic club tournaments across Europe for approximately seven weeks.
Club president Gino Sirci revealed the campaign alongside key players and staff, according to information published by WEBVOLEI.
Perugia President Gino Sirci Criticizes Volleyball World Schedule
President Gino Sirci appeared alongside star players Simone Giannelli, Kamil Semeniuk, Oleh Plotnytskyi, and coach Angelo Lorenzetti. During the presentation, Sirci utilized the hashtag #NoClubsNoVolley to protest the position of Volleyball World.
Sirci stated that clubs would face severe penalties due to national team activities. While acknowledging that national teams represent vital identity, he emphasized that clubs hold equal importance in the sports ecosystem.
The club president warned about a slow and inexorable reduction in importance for teams. He predicted fewer spectators, reduced sponsors, lower revenue, and the progressive weakening of club structures.
Support From European Clubs and Italian League
Sirci confirmed that Perugia has already secured backing from other European clubs and the Italian league itself. Many organizations responded to inquiry letters by expressing full agreement with the Italian stance.
Removing two months from the peak club season strips away economic value, prestige, and audiences. Sirci stressed that these elements sustain the entire volleyball movement, making the proposed interruptions unsustainable.
Player Concerns Over Physical Toll and Career Choices
Italian setter Simone Giannelli highlighted the difficult dilemma athletes would face regarding career longevity. He argued that players should not be forced to choose between their clubs and national teams.
Giannelli also criticized the continuous increase in major tournaments, noting that the World Cup shifted from every four years to every two years, alongside annual Volleyball Nations League events.
Polish outside hitter Kamil Semeniuk echoed these physical and mental exhaustion concerns. He explained that a team competing in every tournament would find proper athletic preparation nearly impossible under the new schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Perugia protesting the new volleyball calendar?
Perugia is protesting because the proposed 2028 to 2032 calendar includes a national team window in December and January, forcing a seven-week shutdown of domestic club leagues.
What is the hashtag used in the Perugia campaign?
Perugia president Gino Sirci launched the movement on social media using the hashtag #NoClubsNoVolley to rally support against the Volleyball World scheduling changes.
How do Perugia players view the proposed calendar?
Players like Simone Giannelli and Kamil Semeniuk argue that the increased number of matches creates extreme physical and mental fatigue, forcing unfair choices between clubs and national teams.
Do other clubs support Perugia in this protest?
Yes, according to Gino Sirci, many other European clubs and the Italian league have responded to inquiries expressing full agreement with Perugia's position.
