LAUSANNE, Switzerland, April 5, 2002 – The FIVB Board of Administration, under the leadership of President Dr. Ruben Acosta on Friday approved the creation of an annual Clubs World Championships to form part of the international Federation’s calendar from 2003.

The competition is to involve eight men’s and eight women’s clubs and is to be played during six days in mid May. Five clubs with represent the FIVB Confederations, while one from the organizing country and two wild card entries complete the line-up. The FIVB has appointed Mr. Roberto Ghiretti as President of the Organizing Committee of the new Clubs World Championship. Mr. Ghiretti was formerly the Director of the Italian National League.

The FIVB’s Sports Events Council, which will meet shortly at the Federation’s headquarters in Switzerland, will review the proposed dates for the first year (May 13-18), with a view to coordinating and solving problems on the competition calendar.

The Sports Events Council is also charged with dealing with matters of rules of the game and player transfers.

Organization of the new FIVB Clubs World Championship will be at club level, not at national level.

For more details contact:

Marcia Hill
Communications Director
+41 21 345 3535
press@fivb.org