The International Volleyball Federation has announced that Poland and Slovenia will host the relocated FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2022, with other European countries also potentially joining at a later stage, after the event was removed from Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine.
Poland and Slovenia were two of many destinations to step forward and offer to host the event later this year after Volleyball World opened an accelerated bidding process last month. In addition, as per the FIVB’s regulations and with Poland and Slovenia already qualified for the event, Ukraine has been invited to replace Russia in the competition lineup as the next highest ranked team. Russia will not take part after the country was declared ineligible to participate in all international and continental events until further notice.
There is also the potential for one or several more European nations to join Poland and Slovenia in hosting the event, which will be announced at a later stage.
“I would like to offer my sincerest gratitude for all the nations who expressed an interest in stepping up at volleyball’s time of need,” FIVB President Dr. Ary Graça said. “For me, the way the volleyball family has come together in solidarity at this time has been very touching and we are proud to have been able to find such an amazing solution.”