As the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV) gears up for its 2024 Presidential elections, a shroud of suspense already envelops the landscape. The air is thick with whispers and conjecture, and at the epicenter of these murmurs is Renato Arena, the CEV’s Senior Vice-President. Arena, with his impressive trajectory within the CEV — from Vice-President (2005-2015) to his current eminent role since 2015 — emerges as a prominent contender for the coveted presidential chair.
In a turn of events that has set tongues wagging, a revelation from the inner sanctum of the CEV has recently emerged. Former CEV employee, Roko Sikiric, once the organization’s Head of Volleyball and Events, declared his bold ambition to stand for the position of the CEV President. This audacious proclamation led to the termination of his employment with the CEV, indicating a perceived conflict of interest by the CEV Secretariat.
Sikiric, who cut his teeth in the volleyball realm as a professional and later as the Sports Director of the German club, Berlin Recycling Volleys, made notable advancements during his stint at the CEV. His abrupt dismissal not only ruffles feathers but also triggers a series of queries about the eligibility and criteria required for presidential candidacy in the CEV. The motivation behind the CEV’s decision adds a twist to the unfolding drama.
As we probe further into the labyrinth of CEV’s presidential prerequisites and desirable attributes of potential candidates, a panorama of intriguing possibilities unfolds. Over the past decade, an array of seasoned players and esteemed volleyball figures have hung up their boots. However, their journey did not end there. Through myriad projects and continuous learning, these icons have fostered a formidable cadre of proficient volleyball professionals, making significant contributions to sports institutions and organizations.
The necessity for transparent and accessible candidacy criteria cannot be overstated. It’s essential not only to maintain a level playing field but also to inject innovative ideas and fresh leadership into the governing strata of European Volleyball. So, who can don the mantle of the CEV President? What are the fundamental prerequisites? Is it not plausible for someone with institutional trust and an insider’s view to fit the bill? The questions simmer as the CEV election narrative continues to unfurl.
