Europe`s elite clubs eagerly await the Drawing of Lots for the upcoming season of the CEV Champions League Volley, the continent`s premier club competition.
For the men`s tournament, the CEV has confirmed 20 teams will participate in the 4th round. Eighteen clubs have secured direct entry, with the remaining two spots reserved for winners of the 3rd qualifying round.
The Drawing of Lots is scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, at 12:00 CEST in Luxembourg.
Polish and Italian Dominance
Four Polish teams are set to compete, including last season`s Final Four participant, Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie. They will be joined by PGE Projekt Warszawa (reigning CEV Challenge Cup winners), Bogdanka LUK Lublin, and Asseco Resovia Rzeszów.
Defending champions Sir Sicoma Monini Perugia lead the Italian contingent, aiming to retain their title. They are joined by two other Italian powerhouses: Trentino Itas, winners of the 2023/24 season, and Cucine Lube Civitanova.
Teams from Across Europe
Türkiye will send three teams: Halkbank Ankara, a Final Four participant from last season, alongside Ziraat Bank Ankara and Galatasaray Istanbul.
Germany will be represented by last season`s surprise, SVG Lüneburg, and Berlin Recycling Volleys. Two Belgian teams, Knack Roeselare and Volley Haasrode Leuven, are also confirmed.
Other participants in Europe`s top club competition include VK Lvi Praha (Czechia), Montpellier HSC VB (France), and Sporting CP Lisboa (Portugal).
Wildcard Selections
Halkbank Ankara, Asseco Resovia Rzeszów, and Montpellier HSC VB received the three men`s competition wildcards. The CEV Board of Administration`s decision prioritized a balance for competitive matches and the marketability of the Champions League across Europe, considering the market potential of both the clubs and their home countries.
The complete lineup will be finalized after the 3rd round concludes, with two additional teams advancing from the preliminary stages to the 4th round.
Finley Blackwood