Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 13, 2009 – FIVB President Jizhong Wei, who was invited to attend the 29th AVC B/A meeting held here today, briefed his former colleagues about the recent reforms he and the FIVB have made and expressed his belief that with the support and help of the AVC and other Continental Confederations, "We will achieve our goals."

Speaking at the meeting, the FIVB president stressed that former FIVB President Dr. Ruben Acosta and his wife, Malu, worked very hard for the development of Volleyball and devoted nearly their entire lives to the sport, which was very much appreciated.

"However, during the rapid development of the FIVB, we also had some problems, which were covered by our achievements. I have to say I am also responsible for these mistakes, as I did not mention them when I discovered them. Now we have to correct them," Wei added.

Mr. Wei identified the main problems as too much power concentrated on one person, insufficient adherence to democratic principles, supervision and openness, too much attention paid to benefits, not enough attention given to the Continental Confederations, and poor relations with communities and organizations outside of the FIVB.

In order to take the FIVB and world Volleyball to a higher level, Wei told the meeting that he had made five promises.

"I will not seek re-election, and after my four-year term we will hold a democratic election for the next FIVB president," Wei said.

"I will not touch even one cent of the commissions. My work for the FIVB is my only obligation.

"We will insist on transparency, democracy and the delegation of duties to the Continental Confederations and assist them. Only in this way can the power of the FIVB president be shared. This year we decided that all the preliminary rounds of the 2010 World Championships would be organized by Continental Confederations with help from the FIVB. The FIVB has also given them the right to handle the transfer of players within their own continents.

"We will change the fact that National Federations are put before Continental Confederations. We must put Continental Confederations ahead of National Federations.

"I will work hard for mass Volleyball and try my utmost to help less developed National Federations. The FIVB has decided to double the financial assistance it provides Continental Confederations starting from this year, and we will increase the assistance again next year. As FIVB president, I will be sure to attend some of the activities organized by the Continental Confederations and National Federations."

Wei added: "the FIVB and its department must serve the National Federations and not command them.

"It is natural that we will encounter problems during this period of reform but with the support and help of the Volleyball Family, the Continental Confederations and the National Federations, I am confident we will succeed and achieve our goals."