As his 12-year term comes to an end, we reflect on the key moments for the world of volleyball during his presidency
Since becoming President in 2012, FIVB President Dr Ary S. Graça Fᵒ has overseen a transformative period for volleyball worldwide. The International Federation under his leadership has reshaped the sport, from expanding global competitions to enhancing the visibility of volleyball on the Olympic stage.
Through innovations in competition formats, an improved ranking system, and a more athlete and fan-centred global calendar, President Graça has ensured volleyball’s status as one of the world’s most popular and competitive sports, with over 800 million fans worldwide. As his 12-year term comes to an end, we reflect on the key achievements of his presidency.
Expansion of Major Volleyball Events
A major highlight of Dr Graça’s presidency has been the creation of new flagship competitions that have added another chapter to the international volleyball book. Key among these is the Volleyball Nations League (VNL), introduced in 2018. The VNL brought a fresh, annual competition that showcases the world’s best national teams in both men’s and women’s volleyball. By blending exciting competition with cutting-edge broadcasting innovations, the VNL has redefined how volleyball is viewed globally. The league offers fans an intense, fast-paced tournament that spans several weeks, with matches hosted across multiple countries.
Germany vs Belgium come face to face in the Volleyball Nations League 2021
The VNL has shattered records in both global viewership and attendance. The VNL 2024 witnessed a remarkable 13% growth in attendance from 2023 and a 33% increase from 2022. The total attendance during the pool phases reached an impressive 751,000. In China, there was a remarkable cumulative audience of 268 million with 168 hours of live broadcast on CCTV. The success of the VNL not only reflects the strength of the competition but also highlights the significant strides volleyball has made in attracting a broader, more diverse fanbase under President Graça’s leadership.
President Graça also encouraged the continued growth of the prestigious FIVB World Championships. In a move to ensure greater opportunities to engage with the sport, the World Championships are now held every two years, with the participation of 32 teams per gender, rather than the previous 24. More countries than ever before can now host and participate in the…
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