Radio Cadena Agramonte emisiora de Camagüey
Havana, Jan 12.- The teams participating in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will be able to expand their rosters from 12 to 13 players, confirmed the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB).
For the first time in the history of this competition, each team will have the right to include a non-competing player to replace another due to injury or illness. The replacement will not be allowed to play for the rest of the tournament.
The decision follows extensive consultation between volleyball's governing body and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), with a view to increasing the roster closer to the FIVB main events, and offering teams greater flexibility and depth.
The 13th player will be able to attend matches and train with the team, but will not be accommodated in the Olympic Village unless additional support is provided by his Olympic Committee.
The FIVB note explains that more information on the procedure will be provided in an updated version of the tournament's competition regulations.
Actions in the French capital will be a highlight of 2024. The 16th edition of the Olympic volleyball competition will begin on July 27 and run until August 11 at the South Paris Arena, where the best players in the world will meet in the title dispute.
After its debut in Tokyo 1964, volleyball will take the Olympic stage for the first time at the games held in Paris. On the stage located in the heart of the city, a great battle is expected between 12 women's teams and the same number of men's teams, all in search of glory.
The FIVB also confirmed the draw process for Paris 2024, taking into account that participants will be classified by their position in the women's world ranking on June 17 and the men's on the 24th.
The 12 teams will be divided into three groups. The host, France, will be placed in first position in lot A. The two highest-ranked teams in second and third place will top brackets B and C, respectively.
The remaining nine will be distributed in these groups - three sets in each - according to their place on the world list and will be drawn by applying the serpentine system. (Text and photo: JIT)
