LAUSANNE, Switzerland — The Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) has announced the immediate suspension of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) pursuant to Article 13.1.1 of the FIVB Disciplinary Regulations, citing serious governance concerns and multiple purported violations of the FIVB Code of Ethics that are currently under investigation by the independent FIVB Ethics Panel.

The FIVB stated that the decision was taken following continued efforts to identify a sustainable path forward for volleyball in the Philippines and was deemed necessary to safeguard the sport, prioritize athletes, and protect the long-term development of volleyball in the country. The international federation has also appointed an Ad Hoc Committee to temporarily oversee the affairs of the PNVF during the suspension period and established a pathway for the federation’s return to full standing.

The full FIVB statement follows:

In accordance with Article 13.1.1 of the FIVB Disciplinary Regulations, the FIVB Board of Administration has been obliged to suspend the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) with immediate effect. The decision follows serious governance concerns and multiple purported violations of the FIVB Code of Ethics which are currently under investigation by the independent FIVB Ethics Panel.

Despite continued diplomatic efforts by the FIVB to find a sustainable path forward for Philippine volleyball, the suspension was deemed necessary to safeguard the sport, ensure athletes are prioritised, and uphold the long-term development commitments made 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.

To ensure stability and proper governance during this suspension, an Ad Hoc Committee has been appointed to temporarily oversee the affairs of the PNVF in accordance with Article 1.9.1 of the FIVB General Regulations. A clear and constructive path towards the PNVF’s return to full standing has also been established by the FIVB.

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.

Its immediate priorities will be to support the participation of Philippine national team athletes in upcoming international competitions, alongside guaranteeing the successful delivery of the upcoming Women’s VNL stop in the Philippines, in close coordination with local organisers and relevant stakeholders.

The FIVB remains fully committed to protecting the integrity of Philippine volleyball at all levels and supporting its sustainable long-term growth.