Poland has opposed Russia's return to international volleyball
The Polish Volleyball Federation has responded to the International Volleyball Federation’s decision to reinstate Russian national teams to the world rankings and international competitions. The organization’s head, Sebastian Świderski, stated that Poland had not received any official explanation regarding the terms of this decision.
Due to the lack of information, the Polish side sent an official request to the FIVB demanding clarification on the mechanism for the Russian teams’ return to tournaments.
The head of Polish volleyball emphasized that under current conditions, Russian athletes will not be able to enter Poland to participate in the World Championship, which the country will host next year, since the war is ongoing and Polish authorities cannot issue them visas.
Svidersky also stated that if the FIVB forces Poland to choose between allowing Russians to participate or losing the right to host the tournament, the federation will demand compensation for all expenses incurred during the preparation and promotion of the championship.
Separately, he drew attention to the issue of security, noting that he could not imagine a match between the Russian and Ukrainian national teams taking place on Polish soil.
“I don’t understand how even a Russia–Ukraine match could take place as part of the World Championship. Who will ensure security measures and take responsibility if, God forbid, something happens? Will those who decided to allow Russians to enter take on that responsibility? I certainly have no intention of doing so,” Svidersky said.
He also recalled an incident during the 2014 World Championship, when Russian volleyball player Alexei Spiridonov mimicked shooting at Polish fans, calling that incident shocking.
Commenting on a possible match between Poland and Russia in the Nations League ahead of the 2027 World Championship, Svidersky noted that he would not call for a boycott, but he would not advocate for holding such a match either. According to him, the final decision should rest with the players and the coaching staff.
This was reported by Przeglad Sportowy.
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