Lugano
At the time of an amazing ascent of Lugano, between 2013 and 2015 when they took Swiss Men’s Championship title three times in a row, club Sports Director Marcel Rechsteiner had a sense that volleyball glory in Lugano could suddenly be over: “We must remain realistic. Maybe it will be all over in two or three years.”
In 2005, Lugano was the best address in the Swiss men’s volleyball. The budget of the club rose to more than a million euros under Davide Enderlin, club President from 2009 to 2015. With signing of numerous foreign players, the success was almost bought: besides winning three Swiss Championships between 2013 and 2015, Lugano started CEV Champions League for the first time, three years ago. It attracted a lot of sponsors but the adventure was mainly financed by the companies of Enderlin. Rechsteiner’s words came true – Lugano are no longer allowed to compete in the Swiss Championship whose new season has started on October 15.
In June, the Licensing Committee of the Swiss Volleyball Federation had refused to grant a license to Lugano’s participation for the top division of the Swiss league (NLA). Lugano appealed soon afterwards. Previously, the #Dragons have already announced the abandonment of European cups, which was followed by poor last season in which they lost spot in playoff final in the last round of Top 6 stage, finishing as fourth. At that time current club President Pierangelo Lanciano explained the reasons for failure: “The problem is financial, with complicated season some sponsors have withdrawn. I do not think there is to worry about, we need to adjust a few things to meet the criteria required by Swiss Volley and we will do it as soon as possible.” But the appeal court ruled negatively because conditions for appeal have not been met.
It was the first time that a team has been excluded since Swiss Volley introduced the game licensing procedure, three years ago. It includes assessment of infrastructure, prerequisites of the gymnasium, the promotion of young talents and the club structure in general. But Lugano’s shortcomings mostly concerned financial reporting.
The #Dragons can again apply for the license for the season 2017/18.
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