The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has suspended the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) with immediate effect, citing serious governance issues and alleged violations of its Code of Ethics that are currently under investigation.
In a statement released Friday, the FIVB Board of Administration said the suspension was imposed under its disciplinary regulations while an independent ethics inquiry remains ongoing.
According to the international governing body, the decision was taken to protect the integrity of the sport, prioritize the welfare of athletes, and preserve long-term development programs for volleyball in the Philippines.
The FIVB said it had previously undertaken efforts to address concerns within the national federation through dialogue and other measures, but ultimately determined that direct intervention had become necessary.
To ensure continuity in the administration of the sport, the federation appointed an ad hoc committee that will temporarily oversee the affairs of the PNVF during the suspension period.
The committee will be headed by FIVB Executive Committee member Hila Asanuma and will include several FIVB officials and legal representatives tasked with managing governance and operational matters.
Among its responsibilities are maintaining stability within Philippine volleyball, supporting the participation of national teams in international competitions, and ensuring the successful staging of the Women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) event scheduled to be hosted in the country.
The FIVB also said it has established a pathway that could allow the PNVF to regain full standing in the future, although it did not provide a specific timetable for the federation’s reinstatement.
The suspension comes amid broader concerns surrounding the management of volleyball activities in the country.
Reports indicated that the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) had also suspended funding support and related engagements involving the PNVF over alleged contractual and operational issues connected to the Beach Pro Tour event in Nuvali.
Questions have likewise been raised in recent weeks regarding the federation’s handling of national team programs and organizational matters.
As of Friday, the PNVF had yet to release an official statement addressing the suspension.
Despite the sanctions, the FIVB emphasized that it remains committed to supporting Philippine volleyball and ensuring the continued development of the sport at all levels while governance issues are being addressed.