Lausanne, March 31, 2009 – The FIVB Executive Committee, chaired by FIVB President Jizhong Wei, met Tuesday to discuss a number of important matters ahead of this week's three-day Board of Administration meeting.

Amid wide-ranging discussions, President Wei outlined his vision for the FIVB to delegate more responsibility to the five Continental Confederations. This is set to be one of the major historical changes forwarded for the Board of Administration's approval.

President Wei said, "If it is a matter that can be dealt with between a Continental Confederation and a National Federation then this is how we must proceed. Of course, the FIVB is there to assist but it is my belief that Continental Confederations should take more responsibility for its member federations and National Federations should not be controlled directly by the FIVB."

FIVB President Wei opened the Executive Committee meeting by asking its members to observe a minute's silence in remembrance of members of the Volleyball Family who have recently passed away. Libertario Perez, Michalis Mastrandreas, Hugo Fruithof, Kainu Mikkola, Arno Hermann and Dr. Rolf Andersen were all remembered.

The Presidents of each of the FIVB Commissions made presentations to the Executive Committee, with agreed upon proposals to go before the Board of Administration for consideration before advancing to the FIVB World Congress for the final decision, in accordance with the FIVB Constitution.

The Board of Administration will gather in Lausanne on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.