Lausanne Aug 11 (IANS): The president of Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) Ary S. Graca has said that volleyball's global governing body and its national and regional members should aim for a greater level of professionalism.

Noting that the FIVB has recently improved its governance and transparency, the president then asked his federation and its national and regional administrations to 'align with international best practices', reports Xinhua news agency.

"We also need to professionalise the administrations of our sport at all levels, including the national federations," said the president.

Graca pointed out that volleyball not only has to compete with other sports for the attention of fans, sponsors and broadcasters, but is also under threat from newer forms of entertainment.

"I have a strong vision for the future of our sport," said the president, adding: "We need professional teams within our national federations and continental confederations and the FIVB to help me execute this vision. For national (as well as regional) federations of level 3, 4 and 5, they must seek to hire professionals in key areas."