Philippine volleyball body suspended over governance issues

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) has been suspended by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB,) due to “serious governance concerns and multiple purported violations of the FIVB Code of Ethics.” 

The FIVB, in a statement late Friday evening, said that it has ruled on the suspension as it was “deemed necessary to safeguard the sport, ensure athletes are prioritized, 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,” it said. 

For now, an Ad Hoc committee has been appointed to oversee the affairs of the FIVB. 

The committee is made up 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,” it said. 

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

Several issues on the PNVF have been raised recently, including included unpaid dues. Sports media outlet Spin.ph earlier reported that the Philippine Sports Commission froze PNVF's funding o until concerns have been addressed, which included the absence of “legitimate national team preparation” in the coming 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup; the supposed continuing operational misalignment in handling and execution of events; and the lack of collaboration between the AVC and the PNVF. 

The PNVF has yet to issue a statement on the matter. 

The AVC, for its part, stressed its full confidence in president Ramon Suzara, who was the former PNVF chief. 

“Following its review of the communication submitted by the PNVF, the Board stated that there is no statutory basis for unilateral action against the office of the AVC President by a single National Federation.”