UPDATE #3: IVAN IS GOING HOME.

The Italian Federation (FIPAV) says that Zaytsev received 3 pairs of customized Mizuno volleyball shoes BUT he refused to try any of them on.

To try and resolve the situation, he was given 2 pairs of basketball shoes (see pics in UPDATE #2) but complained that he had problems wearing them after 2 training sessions.

The final straw was FIPAV allowing him to wear Adidas shoes but he must cover the brand logo. Unfortunately, Zaytsev said he can’t do that because it’s against his contract with Adidas.

THE ENDING: FIPAV kicked out Ivan Zaytsev from the team and sent him back to Rome.

Italian Volleywood corespondent Verena G. contributed to this story.

UPDATE #2: Ivan is finally back with the team to train for the upcoming European Champs and we have a FIRST LOOK at his volleyball shoes by Mizuno.

What do you think?

IMAGES BY: Riccardo Giuliani

UPDATE #1: Ivan and the Italian Federation met up last Tuesday to discuss this issue and they have reached an agreement. Zaytsev WILL WEAR Mizuno shoes BUT Mizuno must provide shoes for him that meets his NEEDS.

To make the long story short, Mizuno will customize their shoes just for Ivan.

Whew! We’re glad this is resolved. Ivan and Italy can now focus on their preparations for the European Champs next month.

July 10th, 2017

This is major!

According to oasport.it, there’s drama between Ivan Zaytsev and the Italian Federation.

To make the long story short, Ivan Zaytsev wants to wear Adidas shoes when he plays with the national team BUT the Federation is NOT letting him because Mizuno is the MAIN sponsor of the team.

A post shared by Ivan Zaytsev (@zaytsev_official) on Apr 20, 2017 at 6:44am PDT

A post shared by Ivan Zaytsev (@zaytsev_official) on Sep 11, 2016 at 4:26am PDT

A post shared by Ivan Zaytsev (@zaytsev_official) on Jan 30, 2017 at 11:44pm PST

A post shared by Ivan Zaytsev (@zaytsev_official) on Jul 24, 2016 at 2:16am PDT

Rumor has it that both parties are trying to settle and meet tomorrow before any legal action takes place. Zaytsev may not even play for Italy if his demand is NOT granted. In case you didn’t know, Ivan did NOT play in the recently concluded FIVB World League. If this issue does NOT get resolved, then we may not see the famous Italian player in the upcoming European Championship.

Stay tuned for more drama updates.