Ivan Miljkovic, widely regarded as one of the greatest volleyball players of all time, recently shared his thoughts on social media about the recent presidential elections for the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV). He offered insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead with the election of Roko Sikiric as the new CEV president.
A New Era in European Volleyball
Last weekend marked a significant shift in the leadership of European volleyball. After two terms in office, the former president, Aleksandar Boricic, has passed the torch to Roko Sikiric, a former Croatian volleyball player and former CEV employee.
Over the past eight years, European volleyball has experienced considerable growth and development. Key achievements include the introduction of the SuperFinals in the CEV Champions League, the establishment of the Gold and Silver Leagues for national teams, and a long-term partnership with Infront Sports & Media AG. These advancements have strengthened the sport’s presence across the continent. However, this period has not been without its challenges, as controversies and differing opinions have surfaced along the way.
The Call for Change
Despite the CEV’s strong financial performance in recent years, with only a brief downturn during the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of CEV members felt it was time for a change in governance. During the second round of elections held in Naples, Italy, they voted for greater transparency, inclusivity, and a renewed focus on commercialization, particularly in marketing. The election of a young, educated leader like Roko Sikiric is seen as a promising step for the future of volleyball in Europe.
Opportunities for Growth and Innovation
Looking ahead, the upcoming FIVB presidential elections, with only one candidate currently registered, provide an opportunity to further strengthen relationships within the sport. This moment presents a chance for European volleyball to support the Confederation’s efforts, through Volleyball World, to expand and develop both indoor and beach volleyball.
Miljkovic emphasized the importance of stepping beyond traditional boundaries to actively promote the sport’s core values and commitment to equal opportunities for all volleyball stakeholders. This includes fans, referees, volunteers, and even para-volleyball athletes. With Roko Sikiric at the helm, supported by a team that shares his energy and vision, European volleyball is well-positioned to navigate the evolving landscape of the sport.
A Promising Future
The proposals outlined in Sikiric’s pre-election program offer a solid foundation for this exciting new journey. Miljkovic concluded his thoughts by wishing European volleyball success as it embarks on this promising new path under the leadership of Roko Sikiric.
The volleyball community now looks forward to seeing how these new leadership dynamics will shape the future of the sport across Europe and beyond.
