CEV President Roko Sikirić: “We want to ensure that this Final Four is setting a new standard”

The stage is set for one of the most highly anticipated events on the European volleyball calendar, as Istanbul prepares to host the CEV Champions League Women Final Four, with four fantastic matches scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at the Ülker Sports Arena.

With the continent’s top clubs converging to fight for the coveted title and anticipation building ahead of the most prestigious weekend in Europe’s premier competition, the Final Four officially got underway with a high-profile opening press conference in Istanbul.

Attending were Mr. Roko Sikirić, President of the CEV, Mr. Mehmet Akif Üstündağ, President of the Turkish Volleyball Federation, as well as the coaches and captains of all four participating teams – A. Carraro Imoco Conegliano, Allianz Vero Volley Milano, VakifBank Istanbul, and Savino Del Bene Scandicci.

“In the name of the European Volleyball Confederation, I would like to express my gratitude for the support provided throughout this season. With over 120 countries broadcasting this event, it is a testament to the importance of the CEV Champions League Women – the best competition in the world,” said CEV President Mr. Roko Sikirić.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Turkish Volleyball Federation. Together, we are putting in our best efforts to ensure that this event is the best Final Four we have ever organized, setting a new standard. I would also like to thank the President of the Turkish Volleyball Federation for hosting us in this beautiful city,” he added.

Interest in this edition of the Final Four has been unprecedented, with a record-breaking number of more than 230 media applications submitted. The four teams are now ready to battle it out in front of a packed arena in Istanbul, with millions more watching around the globe.

“I also want to thank all the clubs who participated this season, and the coaches who gave their best to help their teams succeed. Above all, I want to honour the athletes – the real stars of our sport. We are here to celebrate you and your achievements. As someone who has been in your shoes, I understand the sacrifices you make to elevate volleyball,” Mr. Sikirić concluded.

The floor was then passed to Mr. Mehmet Akif Üstündağ, President of the Turkish Volleyball Federation (TVF), who underlined the federation’s commitment:

“I would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone present here – from the CEV, to the teams, and to the members of the press covering this event. At the Turkish Volleyball Federation, we fully understand the importance of this Final Four and have worked hard to ensure the best possible organization. I also want to thank Fenerbahçe Sports Club for providing the Ülker Sports Arena,” said Mr. Üstündağ.
He continued:

“We are proud to host this event here in Istanbul, and equally proud to have a Turkish team participating. I hope that everyone involved – the teams, athletes, coaches, and fans – enjoys this event to the fullest.”

As the two Presidents concluded their remarks, the floor was opened to the coaches and captains of the four participating teams. Allianz Vero Volley Milano’s setter, Alessia Orro, was the first to speak ahead of their showdown against A. Carraro Imoco Conegliano, a rematch of last season’s Super Finals, where Conegliano claimed the title with a dramatic 3–2 win.

“We’ve played against Conegliano many times this season. We know their team – one of the best in the world – and we hope to deliver a strong match and put on a great show for everyone watching,” said Orro.

Conegliano, the reigning champions, are once again among the favourites, having suffered only one loss in all competitions this season.

“It’s so nice to be here, returning to this Final Four format. It’s been a long season – we’ve won a lot – but we have a great coach who keeps us grounded and focused. This is the final week of a long journey, and we hope to end it well, though we know it won’t be easy,” said Conegliano’s captain, Joanna Wołosz.

In the second semi-final, scheduled for Saturday, 3 May, VakifBank Istanbul will take on Savino Del Bene Scandicci – a fiery clash between the most decorated club in the competition’s history, with six titles, and a debutant in the Final Four who has yet to drop a single set this season.

“I want to congratulate my team. At the start of the season, nobody thought VakifBank could make it here. Thanks to their hard work and performances, I am lucky to coach such a fantastic group. We are proud to represent Turkey here in Istanbul,” said VakifBank head coach Giovanni Guidetti.
For Scandicci, represented by Britt Herbots and coach Marco Gaspari, the moment is historic:

“This event is something unbelievable for the club – our first-ever Final Four. We are up against a team that has won the title six times since 2011, so it will be a very special match,” said Gaspari.

All press conference participants were then made available for exclusive and pool interviews with the attending media.