Velasco Questions World Cup Schedule

Coach Guimaraes started it all.

At first, Coach Guimaraes told the media he didn’t (and still doesn’t) like the “point system” used at the women’s World Cup. Now, another coach joins the bandwagon and expressed his concerns over the men’s World Cup schedule.

At the press conference after Velasco’s team, Iran, won against Egypt (3-0), this is what the “magician” said:

“I have been to Japan seven times for competitions and they are always very well organized. But today I have a question for the FIVB and Japan organizers about this tournament. I don’t understand why the team who plays Japan in the night match at 6:30PM has to play at 11:00AM the next day. This was a problem for Egypt today. I didn’t say anything after we lost in this situation, but I will speak about it now for Egypt. Our team also plays the majority of games at 11:00AM. There is no reason for this. Some of these game could be played at 3:00PM instead, because there is no live TV. Sometimes we have to make accommodations for the media, but this is not one of the times. This is an Olympic qualifying tournament, so all of the teams should have the same conditions. I know all of the people at the FIVB and will talk to them about this issue”.

Egypt’s team captain, Ashraf Abouelhassan, supported Velasco saying:

“The problem which Mr. Velasco discussed is a big one for us. We only had 9-10 hours to rest after last night’s match. In normal matches it is OK, but it is very difficult in high-level matches. The players would be better with more rest. It was tough to concentrate. Iran played well with fewer mistakes. We are playing nine of our 11 matches at 11:00AM”.

In all fairness to them, they really brought up a very good point. We wonder how the FIVB and World Cup organizers will respond to Velasco concerns. Mmmm….

Do You AGREE with Coach Velasco?

Do You AGREE with Coach Velasco?

Tell us! Tell us!

(images: FIVB)