Grupa Azoty ZAKSA Kędzierzyn-Koźle officially announced on the club website decision to withdraw from the FIVB Club World Championship.
As the winner of the CEV Champions League 2021, Grupa Azoty ZAKSA Kędzierzyn-Koźle has been invited to the Club World Championship, which will be held in Betim, Brazil, on December 7-11. For logistical reasons, taking into account the epidemiological situation for the health and safety of the team, the Club withdrew from the tournament. Grupa Azoty ZAKSA Kędzierzyn-Koźle, as the winner of the 2021 CEV Champions League, was among the six teams invited to participate. In addition to Grupa Azoty ZAKSA Kędzierzyn-Koźle, the list of preliminary participants includes: Sada Cruzeiro (tournament organizer, South American champion from 2019 and 2020), Itas Trentino (CEV Champions League finalist in 2021), UPCN Vóley (South America runner-up in 2019 and 2020. ), EMS Taubaté Funvic (Brazil champion 2021) and Foulad Sirjan from Iran (Asian champion 2021).
As Sebastian Świderski admitted, the decision to withdraw from the tournament was not an easy one. “We regret a lot, the more that after such a success as a victory in the Champions League, participation in the Club World Championship would be an opportunity to increase the achievements of Grupa Azoty ZAKSA Kędzierzyn-Koźle on the international arena. The FIVB Club World Championship is a prestigious tournament and undoubtedly receiving the invitation was a great honor for us. Before making the final decision to participate, however, we had to consider several aspects. Unfortunately, looking at the current epidemiological situation in the world, as well as logistical issues related to the team’s trip to Brazil, we are forced to give up participation in the tournament. The health and safety of the team are of key importance to us. In addition, let’s remind about the intensive calendar of PlusLiga matches and the CEV Champions League matches”, says the president of ZAKSA SA.
