The FIVB has announced that it will punish Polish players Michał Kubiak and Mateusz Bieniek after they did not cross the mixed zone after Poland’s match against Iran in Varna at the WCH. Crossing the mixed zone is a requirement for every player at FIVB’s events, as they are required to meet with journalists from around the world at the designated area. Here is what the FIVB representative had to say of the matter:
“We had to punish both players. I’m not sure if this is the first such situation in the whole championship, but luckily in Varna it is the first occurrence.” – Jordan Bożinow, WCH’s press officer
As a result of both players breaking the rule, the Polish Volleyball Federation was fined a total of 1,400 euros (about 1600 USD). Bieniek has gone on record saying that he skipped the mixed zone interviews because he had to go to doping control. The FIVB representatives stated that the middle blocker was not designated for the exam at all.
Poland finished the first phase of the tournament atop Pool D, with 5 wins, 0 losses, and only 3 sets lost. It will now go on to play against Serbia, France, and Argentina in pool H.
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