Anticipation is building across Europe as top clubs await the results of the Drawing of Lots for the upcoming season of the CEV Champions League Volley, the continent`s most prestigious club competition.
For the men`s tournament, CEV has confirmed that 20 teams will enter the 4th round. Eighteen clubs have already secured their places, while the final two spots will be claimed by the winners of the 3rd qualifying round.
The official Drawing of Lots ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, 15 July, in Luxembourg, starting at 12:00 CEST.
Poland will be strongly represented with four teams. Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie, a participant in last season`s Final Four, will join 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 volleyball giants: Trentino Itas, the winners of the 2023/24 season, and Cucine Lube Civitanova.
Three teams from Türkiye are also set to compete: Halkbank Ankara (last season`s Final Four participant), Ziraat Bank Ankara, and Galatasaray Istanbul.
Germany will have two representatives: last season`s surprise team, SVG Lüneburg, and Berlin Recycling Volleys. Belgium also features two clubs: Knack Roeselare and Volley Haasrode Leuven.
Rounding out the confirmed teams are VK Lvi Praha from Czechia, Montpellier HSC VB from France, and Sporting CP Lisboa from Portugal.
Wildcards for the men`s competition were awarded to Halkbank Ankara, Asseco Resovia Rzeszów, and Montpellier HSC VB. The CEV Board of Administration carefully considered factors like competitiveness and marketability across Europe when making these selections, aiming for a balanced and engaging season.
The complete roster of teams will be finalised once the 3rd qualifying round concludes and the final two participants are determined.
