The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has suspended the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) with immediate effect, citing serious governance concerns and alleged violations of the FIVB Code of Ethics that are now under investigation by the organization’s independent Ethics Panel.
The FIVB Board of Administration said in a statement Friday that the sanction was imposed under Article 13.1.1 of the FIVB Disciplinary Regulations after developments that prompted the world governing body to step in and take direct action.
The move marks one of the most significant interventions by the FIVB in Philippine volleyball and raises fresh questions about the leadership and governance of the sport in the country.
Despite efforts to resolve the issues through dialogue, the FIVB said the suspension had become unavoidable.
“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,” the federation said.
The FIVB stressed that protecting athletes remains at the center of its decision, particularly as the country continues to benefit from a landmark seven-year empowerment and development agreement involving the FIVB, the Philippine Sports Commission, the Asian Volleyball Confederation and the PNVF.
To maintain stability during the suspension, the FIVB appointed an Ad Hoc Committee that will temporarily oversee the affairs of the national federation. The body will be chaired by FIVB Executive Committee member Hila Asanuma and will include FIVB officials Mathieu Mériaux, Stephen Bock, Hitesh Malhotra and Philippines-based legal contractor Alexa Dabao.
The committee’s immediate priorities include ensuring the participation of Philippine national teams in upcoming international competitions and guaranteeing the successful staging of the Women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) stop in the Philippines.
While the suspension deals a major blow to the PNVF, the FIVB emphasized that it has established “a clear and constructive path” toward the federation’s return to full standing, underscoring its commitment to the long-term growth and integrity of volleyball in the Philippines.
