Board of Administration meets in Almeria
Almeria, Spain, January 25, 2005. As well as the examination of the current activities during the CEV Board of Administration meeting in Almeria, Spain last weekend, the organising country for the Men's Indesit European Champions' League 2004/05 Final Four has also been designated. More

Georgia's First Lady supports plan to bring Volleyball back to the schools

Tbilisi, Georgia, January 20 - The Georgian Volleyball Federation organised a women's match between the East and the West regions of the nation, called "First Lady's Cup" in honour of Mrs. Sandra Roelofs the wife of Georgian President Mr. Mikhail Saakashvili. A very active promoter of Volleyball development in Georgia, she trained with the National Team in western Georgia six months ago, in front of more than 2'000 fans attending the training. Later, as the Georgian National Women's Team played its very first match ever, she carried the Georgian flag and supported the National team.  More

Pic: Winning team (Georgia West) with Mr. Akhvlediani and Mrs. Roelofs in the center.

CEV Cup Men & Women
Designation of men's European cups final four organisers
Luxembourg, January 26, 2005 - With the semifinal participants of the Men's Austrian Airlines Top Teams Cup and the Men's CEV Cup already determined, the organisers to host the Final Four matches have been designated today. More

CEV Cup attains Final Four stage
Luxembourg, January 13, 2005. Following the home matches of the quarterfinal rounds in the first week of January 2005, the subsequent away matches of the Men's and Women's CEV Cup during the last three days have determined seven from eight semifinal contenders. More

Austrian Airlines Cup
Women's Top Teams Cup 2004/05
Turin, Italy, March 13, 2005. One day after the host Greek team of Olympiacos PIRAEUS became champion of the men's Austrian Airlines Top Teams Cup on Saturday, 12 March 2005 the organiser of the women's Top Teams Cup 2004/05 , etc. More

Men's Austrian Airlines Top Teams Cup 2004/05
Piraeus, Greece, March 12, 2005. 10'000 Piraeus fans helped their team Olympiacos PIRAEUS in red-and-white striped shirts to become Austrian Airlines Top Teams Cup champion 2004/05 defeating Dutch Ortec VC Nesselande ROTTERDAM in the Peace & Friendship stadium in Athens, Greece in three exhilarating close sets.
More

Men's Austrian Airlines Top Teams Cup 2004/2005
Piraeus, Greece, March 11, 2005. Ortec VC Nesselande ROTTERDAM made it first to the final of the men's Austrian Airlines Top Teams Cup 2004/05, which is taking place in the especially for the Olympic Games 2004 constructed Peace & Friendship stadium in the Greek port city of Piraeus in Athens. More
 

Final Austrian Airlines Four Top Teams Cup ascertained - Women
Luxembourg, January 13, 2005 - Starting end of October 2004 with the qualification tournaments and continuing through until the end of the year with the main phase league round, the quarterfinal home & away matches of the Men's Austrian Airlines as well as the Women's Top Teams Cup have been played and the Final Four determined. More

Indesit European Champions’ League 2004/2005
Tours stronger than host team
Thessaloniki, Greece, March 27, 2005 - In the final of the Indesit European Champions' League 2004/05 Iraklis Thessaloniki didn't manage to take the home victory, having to surrender to the guests from France, Tours Vb 1:3. More

Thessaloniki and fans defeat defending champion Belgorod
Thessaloniki, Greece, March 26, 2005 - In the Final Four of the men's Indesit European Champions' League 2004/05, which is taking place in the Greek port city of Thessaloniki, Tours Vb (Fra) will meet Iraklis Thessaloniki (Gre) in the final. More

Iecl title back to Bergamo
Tenerife, Spain, March 20, 2005. After having won the women's Indesit European Champions' League title in 1997, 1999 and in 2000 Foppapedretti Bergamo took back the title this time, following a surprisingly short final against their Italian compatriots from Sant'Orsola Asystel Novara (3:0). More

All-Italian fina
Tenerife, Spain, March 19, 2005 - On the semifinal day of the women's Indesit European Champions' League 2004/05 Final Four in Tenerife (Esp) Italian Foppapedretti Bergamo defeated Tenerife Marichal (3:0) and Sant'Orsola Asystel Novara (Ita) beat French Rc Cannes 3:1. More

Four Europe's best fight for ultimate crown
Luxembourg, March 16, 2005. The women's Indesit European Champions' League, the highlight of the European Volleyball season, will come to an end this weekend when the Final Four is scheduled in Tenerife, Spain. More

Paris wins first French battle
Luxembourg, March 2, 2005 - In the first home match of the final playoff round of the Men's Indesit European Champions' League 2004/05, where six teams are battling for the three spots in the Final Four next to the organising team Iraklis THESSALONIKI (GRE), French TOURS VB had to surrender to compatriots PARIS Volley 1:3. More

CEV awards best players of League round
Luxembourg, February 2, 2005. As well as rewarding the achievements of the teams participating in the Indesit European Champions' League, the CEV presented 14 individual awards following the total 140 matches played in the men's and women's League Round. The outstanding figure during this edition was Natalya Mammadova from Azerrail BAKU (AZE) who collected two individual awards. More

Thessaloniki will host the Men's IECL Final Four
Almeria, Spain, January 21, 2005 - Following the ten League Rounds of the Men's Indesit European Champions' League 2004/05, 12 teams have qualified for the first home & away play-off round. More

Two German teams complete top twelve
Luxembourg, January 20, 2005. While ten teams were already sure of playing in the play-off round of the Men's Indesit European Champions' League after last week's action in the world's strongest club competition, the last two vacancies for the next stage were completed this Wednesday. Both German teams VfB FRIEDRICHSHAFEN and SCC BERLIN from Germany claimed the last two places in the Top Twelve of this high level competition. More

No luck for Jastrzebski
Luxembourg, November 09 2004 - In the second week of the Men's Indesit European Champions League 2004/05 League Round three matches have been played with Vojvodina Novolin NOVI SAD (SCG), Knack ROESELARE (BEL) and PARIS Volley as the final winners. More

Favourites win opening matches
Luxembourg, November 05, 2004. The favourites for the Men's Indesit European Champions' League title didn't disappoint their fans during the opening week of the world's strongest club competition with TOURS VB (FRA), Noliko MAASEIK (BEL), Italian Sisley TREVISO and French PARIS Volley all winning their first match. Defending champion Lokomotiv BELGOROD from Russia will start its campaign to win the Indesit European Champions' League for the third time running next week. More

Opening matches attracted a wide audience
Luxembourg, November 03, 2004 - With the first five matches of the Men's Indesit European Championships 2004/05 League Round having been played on Wednesday night the outlook for the coming preliminary pool battles is very promising. More

All eyes set on Indesit European Champions' League
Luxembourg, October 26, 2004 - All eyes will be set on the best European club volleyball teams from Wednesday, 3 November 2004 onwards, the day that marks the start of the League Round of the Men's Indesit European Champions' League 2004/05, while Europe's best women's teams start their play the following week on Wednesday, 10 November 2004. More

2005 Men's Senior European Championships Drawing of Lots
Defending champion Italy faces Russia in preliminary round
Belgrade, October 30, 2004 - Defending men's European Volleyball champion and Olympic silver medallist Italy will meet Olympic bronze medallist Russia in the preliminary phase of the Men's European Championship 2005. This was one of the most significant outcomes of the drawing of lots carried out here in the Royal Palace of Belgrade (SCG) on Saturday Oct. 30. The most important European Volleyball competition will take place from 2 - 11 September 2005 in Belgrade (SCG) and Rome (ITA). More

Strong pools of equal level
Belgrade, October 30, 2004. The drawing of lots for the 2005 Men's European Championship marked the start of the most prestigious European volleyball competition. During a special ceremony in Belgrade (SCG) the twelve best European teams were drawn into two groups of six teams each. More

2005 Women's Senior European Championship
Drawing of lots in Zagreb, Croatia
Luxembourg, October 18, 2004. The drawing of lots for the 2005 Women’s Senior European Championships will take place on Saturday, 27 November 2004 at 1600 CET in the Croatian national theatre in Zagreb, Croatia. More

CEV News
25th CEV Congress in Istanbul announces host countries for European Championships
Istanbul, October 02, 2004 - The 25th General Assembly of the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV), which was hosted by the Turkish Volleyball Federation in Istanbul, was opened up by the CEV President Mr. André Meyer who welcomed the representatives of the 46 national federations present. More

CEV's 25th GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN ISTANBUL - THE CROSSROADS OF EUROPE
ISTANBUL, TURKEY, 29 September 2004. The European Volleyball Confederation (CEV) will hold its 25th Congress in Istanbul (TUR), hosted by the Turkish Federation and its President Dr. Hüsnü CAN, on Saturday 2 October 2004. More

European Championship
Qualified teams decided
Luxembourg, September 20, 2004. As the Senior European Championships Qualification rounds came to an end last weekend the following teams have qualified for the Final Round: Portugal, Croatia, Spain, Greece, the Czech Republic, and the Ukraine in the men's competition, with Spain, Romania, Russia, Italy, Azerbaijan, Serbia Montenegro, and Bulgaria qualifying in the women's tournament. More
 
European League 2004
CZECH REPUBLIC WINS FIRST EUROPEAN LEAGUE
OPAVA, Czech Republic, 11 July 2004 - Czech Republic is the surprising winner of the first ever European League after nailing tournament favorite Russia in the final played here in Opava, Czech Republic on Sunday. The Czech team, who had no opportunity to play any Olympic qualification tournament, defeated the favorites for Olympic gold 3-1. Netherlands claimed the third position after a 3-1 victory over Germany. More

CZECH REPUBLIC AND RUSSIA REACH FINAL
OPAVA, Czech Republic, 10 July 2004 – Czech Republic and Russia will play Sunday’s final of the European League after Saturday’s semifinal action here in Opava, Czech Republic surprised by blowing Netherlands off the court (3-0). Russia, favorite for the Olympic Gold later this summer defeated with the same score in the other semifinal. More

Russia and Germany lead pools
Luxembourg, June 17, 2004 - In the remaining match of the European League’s fourth round between Russia and Turkey in Pool 1, which had to be rescheduled due to the Turkish men team’s participation at the European Championships Qualification tournament for category B in Denmark last weekend, the Russians captured two victories. More Visit www.cev.lu for more information
 
2004 World League
FINAL FOUR 2004 OFFICIAL PRESS CONFERENCE IN CAMPIDOGLIO
Rome,July 8 2004 - World League Final Four official press conference took place this morning in Rome at the Campidoglio, the House of the Mayor. The event will be played for the first time in the Italian Capital next July 16th-18th. More

Cuba even the score against Portugal
Vila do Conde, Portugal, May 05, 2004 - World League contenders Cuba kept their composure to overcome opponents and fellow World League contestants Portugal by 3-1 in a friendly encounter in Vila do Conde. Having lost yesterday’s match against their Portuguese hosts, Cuba were keen to prove they were capable of taking a win from this trip and, despite going a set down, the Cubans rallied to take the next three sets and victory. Along with competing in the 2004 World League in June and July, both teams are scheduled to perform in separate Olympic qualifying events: Portugal in Porto between May 21-23 and Cuba in Madrid between May 28-30. More
May 04, 2004 - Portugal overcome Cuba for friendly win
World League - Countdown to World League 2004
Pre-Olympic qualifers - Porto Madrid

Greeks impress in Olympic build-up
Athens, Greece, May 03, 2004 - The Greek men’s national Volleyball team scored a series whitewash over Australia in Athens as the hosts continued their preparations for the 2004 Olympic Games. Displaying some fantastic teamwork and plenty of commitment, Greece overpowered their opponents dropping just one set in all three friendly games. More


European Beach Volleyball Championships
Gerhard Schröder honours Euro Beach event
April 16, 2004 - The German Chancellor, Mr. Gerhard Schröder, has assumed the patronage of the Beach Volleyball European Championship finals which are scheduled to run from June 10-13, 2004 in Timmendorfer Strand. More

CEV News
CEV awards Champions League clubs
Luxembourg, April 16, 2004 – As a result of the overall success of the Indesit European Champions League, of which the final rounds took place on the last weekend of March, the CEV awarded prizes for the most outstanding clubs in the categories ‘organization’ and ‘press’. Russian Lokomotiv BELGOROD and TENERIFE Marichal from Spain won the CEV awards for their outstanding Final Four organization. Austrian VIENNA hotVolleys and the Croatian Mladost ZAGREB won the prize for the best media work. More

European League gets go-ahead
March 27, 2004 - With the support from the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB), the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV) announced on Saturday the creation of a new competition starting in 2004: the European League. Developed for the Men's European national teams, the European League will in its first edition bring together the best eight European teams between May 21 and July 11. More
 
Men’s World Olympic Qualification Tournaments
Dutch announce preparation schedule
March 16, 2004 - The Netherlands national Volleyball team will compete against Venezuela as part of their build up towards the World Olympic Qualification tournament in Spain, the Dutch National Volleyball Federation announced on Tuesday. More Women's schedule Japan Men's schedule Spain Men's schedule Portugal Men's schedule  More Olympic Qualifying News  Qualified women's teams  Qualified Men's teams  Olympic qualification process Drawing of lots

France name squad for Tokyo
March 3, 2004 - The President of the French Volleyball Federation Jacques Shaw, on the proposition of the national coach Philippe Blain and national Technical Director Michel Cogne, announced on Tuesday France’s 18-strong squad for the Men’s World Olympic Qualification Tournament to be held in Tokyo from May 22-30. In what also doubles as the Asian Continental Olympic qualifying tournament France will play Japan, Algeria, Canada, Korea, China, Australia and Iran with the winner and the best Asian team claiming tickets to Athens 2004. The 18-man squad will be trimmed to 12 prior to the tournament.  More Pic: Mathias Patin sets for France

Horstink, Kooistra and Cristina back for the Netherlands
March 1, 2004 - Netherlands national coach Bert Goedkoop announced his 18-man squad on Monday for the final Olympic Qualification tournament for the Athens Games in August and pulled off three surprises by recalling the experienced trio of Albert Cristina, Robert Horstink and Wytze Kooistra in place of youngsters Gerjan Huisken, Joram Maan and Dennis van der Veen.  More
Pic: Netherlands national coach Bert Goedkoop announced his 18-man squad

Portugal coach says group is “difficult but beatable”
February 24, 2004 – Following the Drawing of Lots ceremony held in Tokyo, Japan on Monday for the three Men’s World Olympic Qualification tournaments (to be held in Portugal, Spain and Tokyo), head coach of the Portuguese side Juan Diaz says his team has a difficult yet beatable group, which includes favourites Poland, Venezuela and Kazakhstan, ahead of them to claim Olympic Games qualification when they face off in Porto from May 21-23. More
 Pic: Head coach of the Men's Portuguese team, Juan Diaz.

European Championships Final Round increased to 16 teams
Paris, France, February 8, 2004 - The Final Round of the Men's and Women's European Championships will be played with 16 teams instead of the usual 12 for the 2006 and 2007 editions. This was one of the major decisions that the Board of Administration of the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV) took during its first 2004 meeting in Paris, France on this weekend. More

Death of a pioneer
January 14, 2004 - Maurice Petit (the father of Gilles) passed away on January 1, 2004 aged 99. A pioneer in the sport, Petit discovered Volleyball in 1924 at the University of Colombia in the United States where he studied for one year. On returning to France he translated the American rules of play which have been adopted today (six players, net at 8 feet, court at 162m²). More French

New coach for Greek Women's national team
The Hellenic Volleyball Federation has appointed a new coach for their Women's national Volleyball team to take care of their Olympic Games campaign in August in Athens. The Board of Administration of the Hellenic Volleyball Federation decided that Giannis (John) Nikolakis will come back to coach the national team after six years and replace Takis Floros, with Dimitris Andreopoulos as his collaborator. His one-year contract starts on April 1, 2004. Nickolakis, 39, is considered to be one of the best coaches in Greece having worked with four local teams over 17 years - Agios Sostis Athens (6 years), Ionikos Athens (1 year), Panathinaikos Athens (3 years) and Panellinios Athens (4 years). He was also in charge of the national women's team for three years from 1994 to 1997, where he recorded 41 victories in 62 games. More Pic: Giannis (John) Nikolakis
 
Drawing of Lots 2005 European Championships
LUXEMBOURG, 27 October 2003 – Lots were drawn for the qualification phase of the 2005 European Volleyball Championships this weekend in a special ceremony that allocated A-category teams into qualification groups. Sixteen men’s teams will contest four pools for six ultimate spots in the Final Round, where they will join the six directly qualified nations. The qualification matches will be played in May and September 2004. more

Polish coaching decision postponed until November
October 22, 2003 - The Polish Volleyball Federation has postponed the appointment of a new men's head coach until November. The Polish Federation Board of Administration met on Tuesday to discuss the procedure of appointing a new men's head coach following the resignation of Waldemar Wspanialy on Monday. A successor has to be appointed in time for Poland's quest to do well at the European Olympic Qualifying tournament in Germany, in January 2004.
 
European Champions received by President
October 21, 2003, Warsaw, Poland - The President of the Republic of Poland Mr Aleksander Kwasniewski, had the members of the women's national team as his guests on Tuesday in order to pay tribute to their enormous success achieved during the European Championship in Turkey in September. Representatives of the government, the Polish Olympic Committee, the Polish Sports Confederation and the Polish Volleyball Federation also attended the meeting held in the President's Palace in Warsaw. More
Pic: The President of Poland Mr Aleksander Kwasniewski with the members of the Polish women's team who claimed Poland's first gold at the European Championships
 
Poland to appoint new men's coach
October 21, 2003 - The Polish Volleyball Federation Board of Administration meets on Tuesday in Warsaw to discuss their search for a new coach of their national men's team following the resignation of Waldemar Wspanialy on Monday. Wspanialy started in the job in July 2001, taking over from Ryszard Bosek, but immediately got off to a poor start as the white-and-reds failed to qualify for the 2002 World Championship. Fortunately for him and his players Poland was eventually invited by the FIVB to participate in Argentina, after Korea had been excluded. However, the Poles missed a great chance for success, finishing in 9th place. More Pic: Wspanialy with Lukasz Kadziewicz during the 2003 World League

French actor and former volleyball player Michel Constantin dead at 79
September 2, 2003 - French actor and former international volleyball player Michel Constantin died on Friday Aug. 20 at Draguignan Hospital in the south of France. He was 79. Michel Constantin made 80 appearances between 1955-1958 as captain of the French national team. More French

European Olympic Qualification Tournaments 2004
Europe Men - Russia claim ticket to Athens
LEIPZIG, Germany, January 10, 2004 - World Championship runner's up Russia stormed home in the final of the Men's European Olympic Qualification Tournament in Germany to qualify for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games after beating the Netherlands 3-0 (25-17, 25-19, 25-16) in Saturday's final. The Russian Rockets overpowered the Dutch squad impressively and finished a tournament where they didn't drop one set. As clear favorites Russia did what it had to do and thumped the 1996 Olympic Champions in just over one hour. The Netherlands, playing again without their injured captain Reinder Nummerdor, couldn't repeat its surprising victory over Russia during the 2003 European Championships. More Tournament News Pic: Russia rejoice in their victory

Europe Women - Germany qualify for Athens
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 10, 2004 - European Championship bronze medalists Germany surprised all by convincingly beating Turkey, the European Championship silver medalists, in straight sets (25-22, 25-16, 25-7) in Saturday's final of the Women's European Olympic Qualification tournament here in Baku, Azerbaijan, to qualify for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. The win capped a magical week for Germany who only lost one match all tournament - to Poland 3-2 - beating the likes of World Champion Italy (3-2) and favorites Russia (3-2) on their way to claim the only Olympic ticket available at this tournament. More Tournament News Pic: Jubilent Germany arrive back home to a hero's welcome
 
Europe Men - Russia & the Netherlands reach final
LEIPZIG, Germany, January 9, 2004 - Former world number one Russia and 1996 Olympic champions the Netherlands will play in Saturday's final of the Men's European Olympic Qualification tournament in Leipzig, Germany after both sides recorded straight sets victories in Friday's semifinals. Russia were too strong for France beating the 2002 World Championship bronze medalists 25-23, 25-16, 25-23 while the Netherlands ended Germany's hopes 25-21, 25-23, 25-17. Only the winner of the final between two teams who have yet to concede a set will claim a ticket for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games; the loser will leave with nothing.  More Pic: Russia celebrate

Germany & Turkey to fight for Olympic ticket
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 9, 2004 - Following five days of play off action it has come down to two teams Germany and Turkey who will play off for the one Olympic ticket available in Saturday's final of the Women's European Olympic Qualification tournament in Baku, Azerbaijan after both sides won their semifinals on Friday. In the first semifinal, Germany won a five-set thriller against world champions Italy coming back after losing the first two sets and being two match points down to eventually win the match 3-2 (19-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-23, 17-15). Turkey surprisingly defeated European champions Poland in the other semifinal 3-1 (23-25, 25-16, 25-18, 25-18) to set up a final at 1600(local time) to see who will claim qualification to the 2004 Athens Olympic Games in August. Pic: Turkey time out More
 
Europe Men - Germany claims last semifinal spot
LEIPZIG, Germany, January 8, 2004 - Germany completed the semifinal line-up of the Men's European Olympic Qualification tournament here in Leipzig despite losing their latest Pool A match to tournament favorite Russia 3-0(25-23, 25-17, 30-28) on Thursday. Bulgaria's straight sets victory (25-19, 25-19, 25-18) over Poland in the other Pool A clash gave the home side the late Christmas present. More
 
Europe Women - Germany dash Russia's Olympic hopes - this time
BAKU, Azerbaijan, 8 January 2004 - Former world number 1 Russia has had their chance of qualifying for the Athens Olympics at the Women's European Olympic Qualification Tournament in Baku, Azerbaijan extinguished after Germany beat the Olympic silver medalists 3-2 (25-21, 16-25, 23-25, 25-16, 15-13) on Thursday. More
 
Europe Men -Russia, France and the Netherlands progress
LEIPZIG, Germany, January 7, 2004 - Russia, France and Netherlands all sealed their semifinals spots at the Men's European Olympic Qualification in Leipzig, Germany after all three teams registered straight set victories on Wednesday. In Pool B France beat Finland 25-20, 26-24, 25-21 and the Netherlands defeated Spain 25-20, 25-14, 25-12 while in Pool A Russia walked over Poland 25-19, 25-16, 25-18. More 

Europe Women -World champs eliminate the Netherlands
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 7, 2004 – Italy kicked the Netherlands out of the Women’s European Olympic Qualification Tournament here in Baku Azerbaijan on Wednesday, after the world champions put in a superb straight sets (25-14, 25-18, 25-15) performance to book themselves a place in the semifinals.  More Pic: Kamila Fratczak digs for Poland More European Women's Olympic Qualification Tournament news

Europe Men - Poland bring Germany down to earth
LEIPZIG, Germany, January 6, 2004 - Poland ended the winning streak of Germany during the Men's European Olympic Qualification Tournament here in Leipzig, Germany on Tuesday when the Polish squad defeated the home crowd favorite 3-2 (22-25, 25-16, 25-27, 26-24, 15-13). The loss makes it a tough job for Germany now to qualify for the semifinals of the tournament in which eight European teams are battling it out for only one ticket to the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. More
Pic: Poland celebrate

Europe women - Poland too strong for Russia
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 6, 2004 - European champions Poland booked an important 3-1 (25-22, 25-17, 22-25, 25-20) victory over tournament favorites Russia during the second day of the Women's European Olympic Qualification Tournament here in Baku, Azerbaijan on Tuesday.On other matches world champions Italy recovered from their loss to Turkey on Monday by beating Bulgaria 3-1 (21-25, 25-21, 26-24, 25-21) and is back in business during the event where one Olympic ticket is at stake. More
Pic: Kamila Fratczak digs for Poland
 
Europe Men - Favourites France collect first win
LEIPZIG, Germany, January 5, 2004 - European Championship runner's-up France overcame the offence of Spain on the first day of the Men's European Olympic Qualification Tournament here in Leipzig, Germany on Monday to register their first victory of the tournament with a 3-1 (25-21, 35-37, 25-16, 25-19) win. In other Monday action, hosts Germany demolished Bulgaria in straight sets (25-19, 25-19, 25-18) while the Netherlands grabbed a three set victory (25-22, 25-23, 25-19) over Finland. More Pic:France's Frantz Granvorka is fired up
 
Europe Women - Big upsets on opening day
Baku, Azerbaijan, January 5, 2004 -Turkey and Bulgaria both pulled off sensational upsets on the opening day of the Women's European Olympic Qualification Tournament here in Baku, Azerbaijan on Monday. The Turkish team, runner-up at the 2003 European Championships, defeated current world champion Italy 3-1 (23-25, 25-21, 25-23, 25-19) while Bulgaria beat the Netherlands in straight sets (25-17, 25-18, 25-23). More

Europe Men & Women - Olympic tussle in store
Luxembourg, January 4, 2004 - Two extremely important tournaments for the best Volleyball countries of Europe get underway on Monday with the European Olympic qualification tournaments starting in Leipzig, Germany for men and in Baku, Azerbaijan for women. In both events, which will be held from January 5-10, eight teams will fight for only one ticket to the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. Three European men's teams have already secured a spot for the Olympics after European champions Italy and 2000 Olympic champion Serbia & Montenegro finished among the three best teams at the 2003 World Cup in November, joining hosts Greece in Athens. More Poland will be looking to repeat their Euorpean Championship success
 
Men’s 2004 European Volleyball Olympic Qualifying Tournament
December 9, 2003 - The eight teams participating in the men’s European Olympic qualifying tournament to take place in Leipzig on January 5-10, 2004 announced their 18- man squads on Tuesday. All seven teams that competed in the 2003 European Championships in Germany rely mostly on their European squads. Russia’s superstar Roman Iakovlev is missing in the squad nominated by national coach Guennadi Chipouline while Poland has a new national coach with Stanislaw Gosciniak having replaced Waldemar Wspanialy. More

French squad named for Olympic qualifier
December 05, 2003 - French head coach Philippe Blain has named a full-strength 18-man squad to attempt to gain Olympic qualification at the European Olympic Qualification tournament in Leipzig, Germany from January 5-10. After finishing fifth at the 2003 Men's World Cup behind Brazil, Italy, Serbia and Montenegro and USA and consequently missing out on one of the three Olympic qualifying berths, France have another chance of qualifying at this Continental tournament. More
Pic: France made a bad start at the 2003 Men's World Cup and finished fifth

Finland wins Olympic Prequalification Tournament
November 23, 2003 - Finland made their dream come true in front of their home crowd in Kuopio when the national Volleyball team won the European Olympic Prequalification Tournament on November 23, beating Slovenia in the final 3-1. “This is a great feeling, it’s nice to go home as a winner," said Finnish coach Timo Hoivala. "This was a big tournament with some very important matches for us. "In every match the team played better and better. On the final day we saw the best match of them all. I must thank my team, which patiently prepared well for every game.” More
Pic: Finland block their way to victory over Slovenia in the final
 
Tough groups for favourites
Leipzig, Germany, 2 December 2003 - Just over a month prior to the start of the European Olympic Qualification Tournaments, the drawing of lots for these extremely important events was carried out in Leipzig, Germany on Thursday. Now the teams know their opponents for the preliminary pool phase, the preparation can start. More

Indesit European Champions League 2003/2004
Men’s Defending champions win easily
Luxembourg, December 9, 2003 – Lokomotiv Belgorod from Russia made a successful start to their defence of their Men’s Indesit European Champions’ League title by cruising to a straight sets victory over Dukla Liberec of the Czech Republic on Tuesday. The defending champions weren't quite sure what to expect against the Czech team but the Russian Rockets came out firing and din't give their opponents any chancein the 3-0 victory in the world’s strongest club competition. More
 
Indesit European Champions' League 2003-2004
VIENNA, Austria, 12 October 2003 – Lots have been drawn for this important club competition for the best 20 men’s teams and the best 15 women’s teams at a special ceremony at a European volleyball Confederation (CEV) Volleyball Gala in City Hall in the Austrian capital.“We are proud that the CEV is back in Vienna,' Vienna’s Deputy Mayor Grete Laska said, welcoming officials from the continental confederation.
CEV President Andre Meyer expressed his pleasure to be back in the Austrian capital and CEV Vice President and European Cups Commission President Riet Ooms announced that Austrian Airlines was a new partner for the League.more  Story by Arjen Meijer, CEV.

Official Presentation & Drawing of Lots in Vienna
Luxembourg, 2 October 2003 – Europe’s INDESIT European Champions League, the major European Volleyball club competition that pits top clubs from 19 countries officially kicks off on Sunday in Vienna, Austria with the Official Presentation and Drawing of Lots in the gothic-style City Hall on Sunday, Oct. 12. The Austrian Volleyball Federation and the club Vienna HotVolleys are using the occasion to host a Volleyball Gala, during which the European volleyball Confederation (CEV) will honor the season’s best Beach Volleyball and Volleyball Players. The event is to be televised by Austrian national television ORF. Europe’s top 20 men’s- and 15 women’s club teams are contesting the 2003/2004 edition of the INDESIT European Champions League which kicks off in December. Teams play a League Round followed by playoffs and the final four in March 2004. Story by Arjen Meijer, CEV. Go to www.cev.lu for more information

Women's European Championship
Poland crowned new European champions
ANKARA, Turkey, 28 September – Poland on Sunday outplayed hosts Turkey to capture the coveted Women’s European Volleyball Championship title in style with a 3-0 confident victory. Both teams now qualify for the World Cup in Japan in November, the first Olympic qualifier. Earlier Germany won the bronze medal defeating Netherlands 3-2 more

Turkey and Poland reach final
ANKARA, Turkey, 27 September - Turkey and Poland will contest Sunday’s of the Women's European Championships after beating Netherlands (3-0), and Germany (3-2) in the semifinals of this tournament that also rewards the top two teams with places to the World Cup in Japan, the first Olympic qualifier. more
September 25, 2003 - Netherlands and Poland complete four
September 24, 2003 - Defending champs out of contention
September 22, 2003 - Turkey books impressive win over Russia
September 21, 2003 - Netherlands humble World Champion Italy
September 20, 2003 - Solid start for Italy, Turkey and Germany
September 19, 2003 - Italy and Russia start favorites
September 17, 2003 - German trainer names squad of 12 Ge

Men's European Championship
Italy European Champions
Berlin, Germany, Sept. 14, 2003  - Italy emerged victorious 3-2 ( 25:18, 40:42, 25:28, 27:29, 15:9) in a five set thriller against France to take the Men's European title in a match that lasted almost two and a half hours and saw the lead change from one team to another and had the capacity crowd in the Max-Schmelling Halle on their feet for much of the match. As European champions and vice champions, both teams have qualified for the World Cup in Japan in November, the FIVB's most important competition this season. the top three teams from the World Cup directly qualify for the Olympic tournament at Athens 2004. More German
Pic: The victorious Italian squad
 
September 13, 2003 - France & Italy charge into final French
September 11, 2003 - Russia soaks up last semifinals place
September 10, 2003 - Netherlands put Russia in danger zone
September 07, 2003 - Three teams undefeated
September 06, 2003 - Russia confirm favorite role
September 05, 2003 - Tough opening matches for favorites
September 04, 2003 - Serbia & Montenegro and Russia face off
September 02, 2003 - Russia do double over France
September 01, 2003 - Championship favorites lining up
September 01, 2003 - Simple goal for Germany
September 01, 2003 - Russia beat France in friendly
August 26, 2003 - Lebl in doubt for Czech Republic
August 25, 2003 - France name European Championship squad
August 25, 2003 - German captain striving for full potential

European Beach Volleyball Championship
Berger and Doppler win European Men's Championship
Alanya, Turkey, 31 August 2003 – Austria's Nikolas Berger and Clemens Doppler claimed their first major title by winning the European Championship Beach Volleyball Final in Alanya, Turkey on Sunday. The outsiders for the European crown defeated reigning champions Markus Dieckmann and Jonas Reckermann from Germany in an incredible final 2-1 (14-21, 21-15, 16-14). More

Pohl & Rau new European Women's Beach Volleyball Champs
Alanya, Turkey, 30 August 2003 – Germany's Stephanie Pohl and Okka Rau are the new European Beach Volleyball Champions after defeating compatriots Andrea Ahmann and Jana Vollmer in the final in Alanya, Turkey on Saturday. More

Alanya, Turkey, 22 August 2003 – Strong lineup at EUR 200,000 European Beach Volleyball Championships Final

Serbia and Montenegro dominate France
August 22, 2003 - World League silver medalists Serbia and Montenegro gained revenge for thier loss to France at the 2002 World Championship in Argentina by defeating the Tricolores 3-1 (25-20, 25-23, 26-28, 25-16) on Thursday night in the latest friendly match at the four nations tournament in Jablonec, Czech Republic. More

Russia sneak win over France
August 21, 2003 - France suffered their second defeat in two days after losing to Russia in a thrilling five set match on Wednesday night (17-25 18-25 25-18 25-20 15-13) at the four-nation tournament in Jablonec, Czech Republic. More

Czech Republic win French encounter
August 20, 2003 - The Czech Republic continued their magnificent World League form and good run against France with a 3-2 (16-25 29-27 22-25 29-27 15-11) come-from-behind victory in the opening game of a four-nation tournament in Jablonec, Czech Republic. More

France set for four nation tournament
August 18, 2003 - The French men's Volleyball team arrived in Jablonec, Czech Republic on Monday for a four-nation tournament with Serbia and Montenegro, the Czech Republic and Russia in a warm up series for the European Championship which runs from September 5-14 in Germany. Leipold suffered from paralysis during a training camp in Ukraine in the beginning of August and flew back to Germany. In a Frankfurt hospital he had a stroke with similar symptoms than Bergmann had. After visiting a special hospital in Würzburg, Leipold was released less than a week later and is recovering now. More
Pic: French coach Philippe Blain during a team talk

Volleyballer offers help to wrestler after stroke
August 18, 2003 - German national player Ralph Bergmann (Roselare / Belgium), who had a stroke in December of 1992 and is now in the German Volleyball squad for the European Championship from September 5-14 in Karlsruhe, Leipzig and Berlin, has said he would like to offer his help and assistance to wrestler Alexander Leipold after his stroke. More

The Netherlands make it two wins from two
August 17, 2003 - Following a 3-1 win on Saturday, the Netherlands have beaten Germany again, in a hard fought second match, in Luxembourg on Sunday, 3-2 (29-27, 27-29, 28-26, 27-29, 19-17). Germany started with Frank Dehne, Marco Liefke, Ralph Bergmann, Norbert Walter, Björn Andrae, Wolfgang Kuck and Till Lieber as libero. The Netherlands started with Reinder Nummerdor, Nico Freriks, Richard Schuil, Mike van de Goor, Jeroen Trommel, Rob Bontje and libero Marko Klok. More
Pic: Reinder Nummerdor on defense for the Netherlands

August 14, 2003 - Tough test for Germany against Netherlands
 
Germany complete double over Romania
August 13, 2003 - The German national team completed a double over Romania on Sunday with a 3-1 (24-26, 25-22, 25-14, 25-20) win in the second of two friendly matches in Riedstadt-Goddelau . Earlier on Saturday Germany had won in straight sets. More

Training camp for German team
About one month before the European Championship (Sept 5-14 in Karlsruhe, Leipzig and Berlin, German national trainer Stelian Moculescu has decided to use Marco Liefke and Christian Pampel as opposite hitters in his lineup. Moculescu has also left Michael Mayer out of his lineup for the European Championship, effective immediately. Mayer, formerly of Unterhaching has transferred to Belgian champions Maaseik. more
Pic: German team in 2003 World League action against Italy

France name new assistant coach
July 28, 2003 - The French Volleyball Association has announced that Roberto Sernioti from Italy will replace Glenn Hoag as the new assistant coach to Philippe Blain with the national team. More

New national coach for Serbia and Montenegro
Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro, July 25, 2003 – The Serbia and Montenegro Volleyball Federation have announced the appointment of a new head coach for the men’s national team. Starting Monday Ljubomir Travica takes up his appointment and will begin preparations with the national squad for the European Championship in German (Sept 5-14). more

German national team to Tunisia for warm-up International Friendlies
July 24, 2003 - The German national team, now in full preparation for the European Championship left Thursday for Tunisia with a squad of 15 to contest three international friendlies with that country. The squad has been in the southern German city of Friedrichshafen absolving a training camp since July 15. The team, under the leadership of head coach Stelian Moculescu will play three matches against Tunisia July 26-28. They will be the team’s first encounters since the 2003 World League. The matches are important preparation for the high point of the year, when German hosts the European Championship Sept 5-14 more  For more on the men’s European Championship go to: www.volleyball2003.de (in English and German) Pic: Norbert Walter and Wolfgang Kuck blocking for Germany in World League match against Portugal

Changes made to French Beach Volleyball teams
July 23, 2003 - The President of the French Volleyball Federation Mr Jacques Shaw has announced, after collaborating with the French national technical director Michel Cogne and national trainers, some changes to the composition of the five French Beach Volleyball teams who are striving to qualify for the 2004 Olympic Games in in Athens. More

Poland confirmed as organizers of Europe's 2004 World Grand Prix preliminaries
Luxembourg, July 22, 2003. For the very first time in the history of the FIVB World Grand Prix, the prestigious FIVB annual women's competition and carrier of one million dollars in prize money, Europe will have the privilege to organize its own preliminary round for the 2004 edition. More

France name squad for European Championships
July 18, 2003 - The President of the French Volleyball Federation Jacques Shaw unveiled a squad of 18, on recommendation of coach Philippe Blain and national technical director Michel Cogne, for the European Championships to be held in Germany in September. Earlier this month France missed out on the World League Finals after finishing third in Pool D so their next big assignment is the European Championship and all their big stars including Capet, Granvorka, Antiga and Kieffer have been named. Full squad 
Pic: Granvorka (l) and Daquin in action during to 2003 World League

Egger and Heyer triumph in Greek Men’s Open
Rethymnon, Greece, 13 July 2003 – Switzerland’s Markus Egger and Sasha Heyer beat Norway’s Vegard Hoidalen and Jorre Kjemperud 2-0 (21-16, 21-15) to claim the European Beach Volleyball Tour’s Greek Men’s Open on the Greek isle of Crete on Sunday. The Swiss brothers Paul and Martin Laciga completed the Suisse swansong at the first event of the European Championship Tour by claiming the bronze medal after beating Nikolas Berger and Clemens Doppler of Austria in straight sets 21-19, 21-14.

Italians Gattelli and Perrotta triumph on European Beach Volleyball Tour
Rethymnon, Greece, 12 July 2003 - Italians Daniela Gattelli and Lucilla Perrotta claimed the 2003 Women's Greek Open Beach Volleyball title in Rethymnon on the isle of Crete on Saturday evening defeating the Czech Republic's Eva Celbova and Sona Novakova in the final 2-1 (21-19, 12-21, 15-12).
The current European Champions showed great determination and strength to come back after the second set loss to win the opening event on the European Beach Volleyball Tour. Earlier Switzerland's Simone Kuhn and Nicole Schnyder-Benoit won the bronze medal.

French actor and former volleyball player Michel Constantin dead at 79
French actor and former international volleyball player Michel Constantin died on Friday Aug. 20 at Draguignan Hospital in the south of France. He was 79. Michel Constantin made 80 appearances between 1958-1955 as captain of the French national team. More. French

European Men's Championship to be hosted by Germany, Sept. 5-14
Click here for more information in German and English

European Women's Championship to be hosted by Turkey,  Sept. 21-29
Click here for more information in Turkish and English Click here for more information in Turkish and English

Archives
June 24, 2003 Women's European Champs draw Spanish
FIVB Congratulates the CEV!
June 2, 2003 - Women’s European Championship qualifying enters final stage 
May 22, 2003 - Drawing of Lots Women's European Championship 2003
May 16, 2003 - 2003 European Men's Championship draw made
May 12, 2003 - European Championship participants confirmed   Pool results and standings
May 05, 2003 - Exciting finale to European Championship qualifying  Pool 1  Pool 2  Pool 3  Pool 4
May 03, 2003 - Niemczyk new Polish women's coach
April 27, 2003 -  Croatia crowned 2003 Girls Under-18 European Champions   More  Saturday  Thursday   Wednesday   Preview. 
April 23, 2003 -  Germany and Azerbaijan host European Olympic qualification tournaments 2004
April 23, 2003 -  Georgia stages first ever international friendly
April 17, 2003 -  Boys U-19 European Championships in Zagreb, Croatia
RUSSIA CRUISES TO THIRD STRAIGHT TITLE
April 09, 2003 -  Germany snare top Italian coach  German
 

Archive 2004

Archive 2003