Club players coming from other National Federations

The Board discussed how to increase the actual number of local players to play in each Club in order to protect the identity and culture of each country. The ultimate goal for the Board is to have nine local players and three players coming from other National Federations, allowing two players simultaneously on court at any one time for each Club. The Board agreed to increase gradually the number of local players in each Club.

For the 2008/2009 season a maximum of two players coming from other National Federations will be allowed simultaneously on court for each Club. For the 2009/2010 season the Clubs will be allowed to register a maximum of four players coming from other National Federations, permitting the participation of two players coming from other National federations on court at the same time.

For the 2010/2011 season and on, nine local players and three players coming from other National Federations will be allowed to be registered per Club, allowing only two players coming from other National Federations, simultaneously, on the court at the same time.

“We have a full understanding of the European laws, but we believe that sport is not a matter of labour,” said Dr. Acosta. “The FIVB and CEV have agreed upon and will continue to determine how to best implement this plan in Europe, and will be ready to provide information upon request by the European Union.” The FIVB will not sanction future transfer activities, and a Club will not be able to engage players coming from other National Federations, if they ignore this ruling.

Sanctions for Clubs

It was proposed and approved that if a club either does not pay a player’s salary or refuses to pay a player who is representing his/her country in the national team during an FIVB competition, then the FIVB will not sanction the Club’s future transfer activity, meaning the club will not be able to engage players coming from other National Federations.

The National Federations themselves will be responsible for the follow-up of these rulings and for stopping the actions of a Club disbanding and reforming in order to circumvent the sanctions. 

New ball for the Olympic Games

A newly designed ball, with the same weight, pressure and dimensions but with a revamped technical composition that includes indentations on the surface, has been approved for use for the very first time at the Beijing Olympic Games. It was also approved to continue to test lower ball pressures (in Serbia, Brazil, China, Japan) to help increase the length of rallies, especially in the men’s game, by bettering players’ ball control.

Elective Congress

The Board approved by consensus to move the Elective Congress to the year of the Olympic Games, two of the reasons being to avoid conflict during the World Championships between outgoing and incoming officials and to avoid the potential changing of rules during the Olympic period. The Board also approved to propose to the Congress to extend by two years the mandate of all the current Board and Commissions’ Members. Other essential points related to election will be discussed during the next Board of Administration in May. The Board also approved the forwarding of proposed changes to the CEV Constitution to the World Congress.

The Board applauded Mr. Yuri Chesnokov, FIVB Vice President and Member of the Executive Committee from Russia, who is attending the Board for the last time after his 75^th birthday and a wonderful career as player, coach and Volleyball manager. Dr. Acosta proposed that Mr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, President of the Nigerian Olympic Committee and member of the FIVB Board, becomes a member of the Executive Committee. The proposal was approved.