International volleyball body suspends PNVF over 'serious governance concerns,' alleged ethics violations
The International Volleyball Federation has suspended the Philippine National Volleyball Federation effective immediately, over "serious governance concerns" and alleged violations of the FIVB Code of Ethics.
In a statement on May 29, the FIVB said the suspension was necessary to "safeguard the sport" and ensure athletes remain a priority, while preserving long-term development commitments for volleyball in the Philippines.
"This includes the landmark seven-year empowerment and development agreement between the FIVB, the Philippine Sports Commission, the Asian Volleyball Confederation and the PNVF to accelerate the growth of volleyball across the country," it said.
The FIVB added that it has appointed an Ad Hoc committee that will temporarily "oversee the affairs" of the PNVF during the suspension.
"A clear and constructive path towards the PNVF’s return to full standing has also been established by the FIVB," the organization said. The committee will be composed of Hila Asanuma, Chair and FIVB Executive Committee member; Mathieu Mériaux, FIVB Asia Regional Officer and Empowerment Manager; Stephen Bock, FIVB Head of Legal and General Counsel; Hitesh Malhotra, FIVB Head of Empowerment and National Federation Relations; and Alexa Dabao, FIVB Legal Contractor in the Philippines.
The FIVB added that it will focus on ensuring the participation of Philippine national team players in upcoming international competitions and the successful hosting of the upcoming Women's VNL leg in the Philippines. They also reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Philippine volleyball and supporting its long-term development.
The suspension comes months after the PNVF faced backlash over its proposed "Alas Draft" for the Alas Pilipinas women's team, which would have required selected players to commit to the national team for two years and barred them from playing for other PVL teams during that period, among other concerns.
Although the plan was later scrapped, players, led by former national team captain Jia de Guzman, raised concerns about athlete welfare within the federation.
That time, de Guzman stressed that athletes should not have to choose between representing the national team and pursuing their careers in the league.
"At the same time, I believe athletes should be in an environment where they can continue to grow, compete, and be supported—without being put in a position where they have to choose between the national team and their careers in the league," she wrote in her Instagram story in March.
She noted that other countries have successfully balanced national team and club commitments, stressing that the Philippines can do the same.
"Many countries have found ways to make this work, allowing athletes to develop in both environments—and have seen the positive results and growth it brings to the sport over time," de Guzman said. "I believe that’s something we can achieve as well."
For their part, the PNVF called on their players, stakeholders, and fans for a "dialogue and collaboration" in addressing the said issue.
