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FIVB announces changes to events calendar
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, March 13, 2020 – The FIVB is continuing
to monitor the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) on an
hour-by-hour basis, and with the guidance of national and global
authorities has determined the following policies will be
introduced with immediate effect, to protect the wellbeing of
the volleyball family.
The FIVB, in close consultation with all participating National
Federations and relevant authorities, and with the approval of
the FIVB Board of Administration, has decided to postpone the
Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2020 until after the Olympic
Games Tokyo 2020. The health and wellbeing of athletes,
officials and fans, is the FIVB’s highest priority and this
precautionary measure is being adopted in the best interests of
everyone involved.
The decision to postpone the VNL will ensure that athletes can
focus on looking after their health and fitness, and will enable
national leagues, that are currently having to suspend events,
to conclude their seasons when the situation improves. The FIVB
is, of course, looking to the future with optimism, and is
working closely with the relevant National Federations and event
organisers to find an appropriate date to host the VNL after the
Olympic Games.
With regard to beach volleyball events, due to the nature of its
event calendar, it has been agreed that at this stage the FIVB
will continue to evaluate the status of each event on a
case-by-case basis, working in close collaboration with the
respective event organisers and national authorities. Presently,
the FIVB has cancelled one event, and postponed another in April
due to the outbreak. Should there be any additional changes to
the event calendar, the FIVB will alert all stakeholders as soon
as possible.
The FIVB stands in solidarity with all members of the volleyball
family, and we express our deepest sympathies to those affected
by the outbreak. The FIVB is also maintaining regular dialogue
with national and global authorities, including the
International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the World Health
Organisation (WHO) to keep up-to-date with the latest expert
medical advice. |