Why volleyball doesn't compete with football, according to
By OnzeActu · · 5 min read

The Polish reception guard judges that the constant modification of the calendar harms the attractiveness of volleyball and pleads for a model inspired by football, more readable for fans and sponsors.
Why it matters
Jakub Popiwczak's thoughts on the volleyball calendar highlight a major challenge for the sport, which struggles to compete with the clarity and stability of football. As Poland continues to shine on the international stage, notably in the Nations League and the European Championship, these concerns could influence the future of volleyball by attracting less support from fans and sponsors. The need for a more readable model could also impact the perception of sport in Poland and beyond.
Key points
- Why volleyball doesn't compete with football, according to.
- The Polish reception guard judges that the constant modification of the calendar harms the attractiveness of volleyball and pleads for a model inspired by football, more readable for fans and sponsors.
- Dlatego siatkówka nie dorównuje piłce nożnej. Representative Polski mówi wprost - Sport.pl.
For Popiwczak, there is an urgent need to establish stability similar to that of football so that fans and commercial partners can better understand and follow the sport. He calls on the authorities to draw inspiration from existing “frameworks” in football to provide lasting clarity to the competition calendar.
However, Poland is going through a prosperous period. For several years, the national team has never left the podium at major international events: this series has extended to eleven consecutive tournaments, notably thanks to recent successes in the Nations League and the European Championship. This domination reinforces the credibility of the Polish sporting project and partly explains the concerns expressed by players in the face of structural changes.
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Tomasz Fornal, teammate in the selection, recently detailed the evolution of the squad since the Paris Games: two new passers have been introduced, the reception/blocking organization has stabilized, and the majority of the other players now constitute a group that has been present for two to three years. For Fornal, the multiplication of changes to the calendar leads to a loss of interest from the public and sponsors. “It would be good for volleyball to progress by establishing clear frameworks like football,” he explained, believing that the sport otherwise risks appearing as the “poor relation” of other disciplines in the eyes of the general public.
The Polish libero also insists on the need for broad consultation: federations, clubs, players and technical staff must participate in the development of a coherent calendar. He warns against permanent internal conflicts and controversies which, according to him, benefit no one. The objective, he concludes, must remain the quality of competitions, the health of athletes and clarity for supporters.
The 2027 calendar will illustrate the stakes of these decisions: the international season will begin with the Nations League, a competition that Poland will have to defend after its recent coronation, and the country will then host the World Championship, scheduled from September 10 to 26, 2027. These major meetings confirm the strategic importance that the Poles attach to a controlled calendar, capable of ensuring both sporting performance and commercial attractiveness.
The rest
If volleyball governing bodies take Popiwczak's suggestions into account, we could see reforms aimed at stabilizing the competition calendar. It could also encourage greater visibility for volleyball, similar to that seen in football, particularly during events like the 2027 World Championship. Players and fans hope that these changes will increase the attractiveness of the sport and ensure its future development.
Frequently asked questions
What are Jakub Popiwczak's concerns about volleyball?
Jakub Popiwczak criticizes the multiplication of changes in the competition calendar, believing that this harms the visibility and attractiveness of volleyball.
Why is Jakub Popiwczak calling for more stability in volleyball?
He calls for stability similar to that of football so that supporters and partners can trade
They can better understand and follow the discipline.
Who confirmed the concerns about the changes in volleyball?
Jakub Popiwczak, libero of the Polish national team, expressed his concerns in an interview with Przegląd Sportowy.
What changes have been observed in the Polish national volleyball team?
Tomasz Fornal mentioned the introduction of two new passers and a stabilization of the reception/blocking organization, with the majority of players forming a group that has been present for two to three years.
Why are these changes in volleyball being discussed now?
The FIVB's plans to move major international competitions to winter periods have sparked debate for several months, hence the concerns expressed by players.