The Brazilian, first elected to the post in 2012 in Anaheim, had stood unopposed for the position.

He is now expected to serve until 2024 with the aim of continuing what he has described as a "golden era" of success.

"Volleyball is undoubtedly in a golden era of success and it is an honour for me to have the prestigious opportunity to build on this great success and take our sport to even greater heights," the 73-year-old said ahead of his re-election.

"There is no limit to the evolution of volleyball, no limit to the sport’s success and no limit to how many people around the world we can inspire and I promise to help volleyball fulfil its huge potential.

"Thank you to the global volleyball family for believing in my vision, together we will make volleyball the number one family sport entertainment in the world."

A constitutional change introduced at the 2014 FIVB Congress introduced an eight-year first term and a four-year second term for the President, a change on the previous system of unlimited four-year terms.

As Graça was initially elected for just four years, he has been permitted to stand for 12 years the other way around, with the eight-year term coming second.

It is key time for the sport as it bids to build upon the success of Rio 2016, where volleyball and beach volleyball were among the most popular sports.

A "nine goal" project was launched last year to take the organisation forward, topped by the bold aim of shifting volleyball from a group two to a group one sport in the International Olympic Committee rankings by 2020.

Graça, head of the Brazilian Volleyball Confederation (CBV) from 1997 to 2012 before stepping down to taking over as FIVB President, has also survived allegations that he was involved in the funneling of money to family and friends between 2010 and 2013 while in charge of CBV.

He was accused, along with other CBV directors, of involvement in the abusing BRL30 million (£7 million/$11 million/€9 million) in a 50-page report by a Federal Anti-Corruption Agency,

Graça strongly denied the allegations and nothing has been proven.

An FIVB statement today claimed that under Graça's "pioneering leadership", volleyball has achieved "unprecedented worldwide growth and the sport was the signature event of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games".  

It added: "He has helped transform volleyball into an engaging, dynamic and universal sport for all in line with the FIVB’s vision to make volleyball the number one family sport entertainment in the world. 

"His administration of the sport has been underpinned by the FIVB’s core values of innovation, universality and good governance."