The bubble concept will protect the health of all participants by accommodating all 16 teams per gender in one country in a safe environment with frequent COVID-19 testing, significantly minimizing the risk of virus transmission. The matches in a round robin format and the finals will be hosted in one venue, preserving the original format of the VNL with the same number of matches per gender.
Developed in close consultation with the event’s main stakeholders, the concept was approved by the VNL Council during its latest videoconference meeting earlier today.
Following the approval of the VNL Council, the FIVB will advance negotiations with interested organizers and aim to announce the host country or countries and the match schedule in February 2021.
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent travel restrictions, the FIVB is committed to minimizing international travel and creating a safe environment to protect the health and wellbeing of all participants.
Iran will take part in the third edition under leadership of Russian coach Vladimir Alekno.
The FIVB Volleyball Men's Nations League is an international volleyball competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB), the sport's global governing body. The first tournament took place between May and July 2018, with the final taking place in Lille, France.
Russia won the inaugural edition, defeating France in the final.