MOSCOW, April 15, Pavel Levkovich. Former head coach of the Russian men's national team Vladimir Alekno stated that he only feels disagreement and resentment over the decision of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) to move the 2022 World Cup from Russia. The FIVB has officially confirmed that Poland and Slovenia will host the 2022 men's World Cup instead of Russia. The statement notes that other European countries may also host the tournament at a later stage.
"Sorry. It seems that everything was accepted even before the official release. Even countries have identified and a replacement has also been identified for us. It is sad to look at this, as well as at everything around us on the world agenda, which is directed against our country. I experience only disagreement and indignation, but time will put everything in its place. I believe that over time everything will be normalized and we will be able to compete at international competitions again. As our president said: "Why do we need such a world in which there is no Russia?" So why do we need a sport in which there will be no Russia? They are afraid of us", — Alekno said.
The World Championship was to be held on August 26-September 11 in ten Russian cities. On March 1, the FIVB announced that the tournament would be moved from Russia due to the situation in Ukraine.