Former Croatian National Team Player Roko Sikirić Becomes the New President of the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV)

At the electoral session of the CEV Assembly in Naples, the Croatian candidate received a convincing 36 (out of 53) votes in the second round. His opponents were Polish businessman Leszek Wenzel, CEV treasurer and one of its vice presidents Eric Adler from Denmark, and Italian Renato Arena, the first vice president of CEV and the favorite to win the election. Sikirić’s convincing victory made him the successor to the long-time CEV leader, Aleksandar Boričić from Serbia, who left a significant mark on the volleyball sport in Europe and was also known as a great friend of Croatian volleyball.

During his active volleyball career, Sikirić was a Croatian national team player 89 times, playing for about ten clubs across seven countries on two continents. This extensive international experience also helped him become a polyglot. He completed his studies in global and sports management at American universities in Boston and Connecticut.

Upon his election to the position of CEV president, Roko Sikirić, who had celebrated his 43rd birthday just two days earlier, stated:

"It is an exceptional honor and pride to be elected as the president of CEV here in Naples, among four candidates. I want to thank the Croatian Olympic Committee, the Croatian Volleyball Federation, and the Government of the Republic of Croatia, which immensely supports Croatian sports, for their trust. This is a great responsibility, not only for the national federations, clubs, and players represented by CEV but also for me personally. Moreover, it is my responsibility to the Croatian state, which I will represent wherever I go. I am proud and grateful to everyone. Now, let's achieve great things for volleyball and for our country..."

Sikirić was congratulated on his election by the outgoing CEV president Aleksandar Boričić and the president of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Ary S. Graca.

He also received congratulations from the president of the Croatian Olympic Committee, Zlatko Mateša, and the secretary-general, Siniša Krajač:

"Dear Roko,

We received the news of your election to the position of CEV president with great joy. It is a great honor for Croatian sports to have a sports official at the helm of the continental association of such a popular sport as volleyball. With sincere congratulations and best wishes for a successful term in this challenging role, we also look forward to the continued excellent cooperation that we have had so far with the Croatian Volleyball Federation and CEV."