Russian Volleyball Federation files $76M lawsuit against International Volleyball Federation

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - The Russian Volleyball Federation (RVF) said on Friday that it had filed a lawsuit with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) seeking compensation from the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) due to the cancellation of the World Cup in Russia.

In an interview with the Russian state-run news agency RIA Novosti, the RVF said it is seeking compensation of at least $76.3 million.

The sum includes a refund of the fee for the right to host the World Cup ($40 million), a fine for unilateral termination of the agreement for the organization of the tournament ($12 million), the reimbursement of expenses of the RVF and the organizing committee for the preparation of the tournament (at least $23 million).

The World Cup was to be held on Aug. 26 – Sept. 11, 2022 in 10 Russian cities. On March 1, 2022, the FIVB announced that the tournament would be moved from Russia due to the situation in Ukraine.

The lawsuit against the international federation was filed on April 28, 2023.

On May 3, the CAS informed the FIVB of the proceedings and granted them a 20-day period to submit a brief response to the claim.