“The future of European volleyball is promising. We’ve made substantial progress in just six months, and I’m optimistic about achieving even more. I firmly believe we’ll host significant competitions in your country, allowing your players the honor of showcasing their skills before a home audience,” stated Roko Sikirić, President of the European Volleyball Confederation, during an interview with the Volleyball Federation of Montenegro’s website.

Sikirić, at 43 years old, hails from Zadar and holds the title of the youngest confederation president in the history of European sports. The former Croatian volleyball player clinched the CEV presidency last August at a congress held in Naples, facing off against representatives from top European volleyball nations, including Poland’s Leżek Wencel and Italy’s Renato Arena.

A seasoned player who has competed in seven countries across two continents, Sikirić, who graduated with a degree in global and sports management from Boston University, has taken on this role with the intent to implement reforms.

In recent years, volleyball has been perceived as an uneven sport, particularly towards medium and small countries like Montenegro. Sikirić and his administration aim to alter this perception and are already making strides in that direction.

“Watching the Cup final matches deeply moved me. I have competed in that venue several times with the Mladost team, and I’m quite familiar with the vibrant atmosphere in Budva. Congratulations to all participants, especially the winners—it was an honor to witness and show my appreciation for your Federation’s dedication. The presence of Government representatives at both matches is also a tremendous boost for volleyball, and I felt privileged to celebrate this event,” Sikirić remarked.

Montenegro, a small country with a limited base, still holds great potential in the realm of European volleyball. How can CEV further amplify that potential?

This question encapsulates Sikirić’s mission and vision for CEV.

“I represent 56 nations under the European Volleyball Confederation’s umbrella, encompassing large, medium, and small federations. I consider Montenegro a medium-sized federation. As one of the newest members of our organization, you boast an impressive record of hosting championships. We are currently embarking on a comprehensive overhaul of European national competitions, focusing on youth levels, where the volleyball commission—featuring your own Mr. Ivan Bošković—is developing new formats to provide medium and small federations with improved competitive conditions, aligned with our strategy for growth in volleyball throughout Europe. Additionally, we are enhancing senior competitions. For the first time, you are engaging in the Golden League, which exemplifies your progress. However, the financial burden for federations of your size participating in both the Golden League and the European Championship is considerable, and there is limited commercial value from both CEV and Federation perspectives. Thus, our new administration has resolved to streamline these competitions, opting for one instead of two in the future,” explained Sikirić.

The advantages of this approach will be multifaceted, he asserts.

“Firstly, we will witness enhanced performance quality and competition, while financially alleviating federations through improved commercial visibility from both CEV and your Federation. Together, we will achieve growth. We’re undertaking a detailed market analysis, marking a new approach for my administration. We aim to establish a structured framework free from political influences, prioritizing the interests of all parties within our organization,” Sikirić emphasized.

Previously, many smaller and medium-sized national associations felt frustration over limited progress.

“Since assuming office, I’ve visited 20 federations, as I believe genuine change and improvement stem from listening to feedback—be it from federations or clubs. We’ve been on-site, engaged in dialogue, and recognized the persistent frustrations among federations; little has transformed over the years, with small federations often overlooked in favor of larger ones. This has resulted in burdensome dual competition commitments this summer across both men’s and women’s tournaments, which incurs significant costs. In contrast, larger federations—such as Poland or Italy—experience fewer expenses and are financially better off. Hence, we initiated a reform process. I’ve had vital discussions with President Nikola Kažić to align on your strategy, and you will receive CEV’s full support and resources to successfully carry out your projects,” added Sikirić.

Starting next season, Montenegrin clubs, both men’s and women’s, will compete in the regional MEVZA league—an initiative that CEV has recognized and facilitated for our Federation and volleyball.

“The inclusion of Montenegrin clubs in the regional Central European zone presents a valuable platform for young players and clubs to gain visibility in the European arena and foster the growth that all young athletes deserve. During discussions with Nikola, he stressed the significance of your clubs’ participation in the MEVZA league, which I worked to facilitate. Having observed the Cup final matches, I recognize the immense potential within your teams. With a solid strategy executed with your president’s support, a bright future awaits you. It’s also crucial to have backing not just from CEV but also from the Government, which I appreciated witnessing at the matches,” Sikirić noted.

One forthcoming project is the Solidarity Fund, modeled similarly to FIFA and UEFA, allowing federations to apply for infrastructural initiatives, coaching, and essential equipment such as courts, nets, and balls.

Sikirić further acknowledges that the Volleyball Federation of Montenegro is ahead of CEV in certain areas.

“Your mini volleyball program, featuring around 80-90 teams and engaging over a thousand children, sets a remarkable precedent. CEV is also initiating a school program, but you’ve already made significant strides in this domain. This initiative is not merely about expanding the volleyball base; it’s about engaging young people in the sport, nurturing their individual growth, and promoting their health. Volleyball holds substantial global promise, and Europe leads the way—I carry a profound responsibility and pleasure in this role. We will persist in our efforts to develop both European and global volleyball,” he concluded.

Branding the Champions League

One of the hallmark projects of Sikirić’s administration is enhancing the branding of the Champions League.

“I faced competitors from Italy and Poland, with Turkey backing the Italian candidate—all significant volleyball nations with substantial investments in the sport and success in hosting major competitions. My initial visits post-election were to these nations, aiming to foster a cohesive body and institutions to ensure the Champions League Final Four occurs not only in countries with their own participants but also in nations capable of financing certain investments for CEV. I believe we have accomplished this: the women’s Final Four will be in Istanbul, while the men’s will take place in Lodz, Poland. This have been a considerable achievement,” stated Sikirić.

“Simultaneously, we’ve been focused on executing sponsorship deals, and we’ve secured a remarkably significant contract that we will announce soon. For years, we lacked a sponsor for the Champions League, finding ourselves starting from scratch. We’re collaborating with a firm that has been closely associated with UEFA and has experience managing all formats across UEFA’s competitions, from youth to senior levels. Their interest in working with us provides substantial assistance. The growth of the Champions League encompasses not only format development but requires a holistic approach. This includes a commercial aspect, marketing strategies, digital communications, and overall product branding,” stressed Roko Sikirić.

My degree is an investment in myself, offering a broader perspective.

Roko Sikirić donned the Croatian national team jersey 89 times and played for various clubs in multiple countries. Alongside achieving success in volleyball, he completed a degree in global and sports management at Boston University.

This degree holds significant value for him.

“Throughout my career, I strived to engage in studies alongside my sporting commitments, understanding the unpredictability of an athlete’s career; one day you could face an injury that alters everything. I encountered numerous challenges—I switched between four faculties until I finally managed to balance my commitments with club obligations. At age 30, I enrolled in my first program—sports management—before ultimately completing my studies at Boston University. This degree is invaluable to me, offering a comprehensive perspective alongside my volleyball expertise gained as a player and later as a sports director.”

His journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring volleyball players and athletes alike.

“My education is an investment in myself—it’s something no one can take away. Many young players aspire to coaching, which I respect. Transitioning from player to sports professional, director, and now holding a prominent role in CEV took significant time, investment, and sacrifice. I hope my story resonates with the players who participated in the Cup final in Budva, where I had the honor of presenting the trophy; just as I found success, so can they. While they may not achieve a role exactly like mine—given its uniqueness—there are numerous opportunities for them in other capacities that can benefit themselves and the sport as a whole.”

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