Secure bubble concept approved for VNL 2021

The Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2021 will be held with a secure bubble concept to ensure the health of all athletes and stakeholders involved and preserve the original format of the flagship annual event.

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 minimising 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 organisers 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 minimising international travel and creating a safe environment to protect the health and wellbeing of all participants.