European baseball and softball unite with the birth of WBSC Europe

European baseball and softball unite with the birth of WBSC Europe
19/11/2021
With the historic vote by Euro delegates on Friday, November 19, 2021 inside Rome’s CONI Hall of Honor, the completion of the World Baseball Softball Confederation Europe (WBSCE) marks the unification of baseball and softball disciplines and the combined advocacy for both sports in future Olympic competitions

By a strong majority of 45 votes in favor, five against and five abstentions, the delegates from the various European Baseball and Softball Federations have approved the Statute that gives completion to the World Baseball Softball Confederation Europe (WBSCE). As a result, one unified body will now direct the joint efforts of the European Baseball and Softball Commissions in managing the development and competitions of both sport disciplines in a synergistic fashion.

The WBSCE confederation was created with the aim of maximizing coordination with the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) in creating an integrated system which guarantees the optimization of all activities from planning stages to the promotion and eventual execution of international competitions.

Federazione Italiana Baseball Softball (FIBS) President Andrea Marcon worked diligently in advocating for the WBSCE and coordinating the vote at CONI headquarters in Rome. He said, “There will be a lot to do for those who will be called to manage the newly-formed WBSCE. Today we have built the foundation from which European baseball and softball can move in tandem for the growth and development of both sports."

WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari echoed the sentiment and did not hesitate to share his enthusiasm. He commented, “This is the right time to take this very important step. It also makes sense in terms of the promotion, communication and marketing for baseball and softball in Europe.” With the integration of the MyWBSC digital web system across the board in Europe, it will be a seamless process of unifying the governance structures of baseball and softball globally.

The official headquarters of WBSC Europe is established in Pully (Switzerland) at the headquarters of the WBSC. The delegates will meet again next year during the second week in February in Bled, Slovenia to establish an executive council committee made up of 13 members, including two athlete  representatives. Forza #Italia!

by Roberto Angotti

(Photo of the delegates of the European Federations posing at the Stadio dei Marmi by Lynx Prod.)