Volleyball hit by financial downturn as 2nd Gulf state cancels tournament

Volleyball hit by 2nd cancellation in Gulf

LAUSANNE, Switzerland — A second volleyball tournament in the Persian Gulf has been called off due to the recession.

World governing body FIVB said on Friday that a beach volleyball World Tour event for men and women scheduled for Oct. 18-24 in the United Arab Emirates was canceled after the Abu Dhabi Sports Council withdrew its support.

The FIVB did not say whether it would seek a new site for the tournament.

Last month, Qatar backed out of hosting the volleyball club world championship in November. The governing body is searching for a new host to take over the club world championship.

The beach volleyball World Tour has more than $7 million in prize money and includes 16 women’s events and 15 for men.