FIVB Ad-hoc Committee sets roadmap for PNVF return from suspension

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) on Thursday released a roadmap outlining the Philippine National Volleyball Federation's (PNVF) path toward reinstatement following its suspension.

The PNVF was suspended in May due to governance concerns and alleged violations of ethics code.

According to the FIVB, its appointed ad-hoc committee conducted consultations with the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), and the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), as well as national team athletes and coaches, to establish a pathway for the PNVF to address the issues raised.

Among the measures included in the roadmap, as announced by the FIVB, are:

-“An immediate signed written commitment that PNVF will cooperate with the seven (7)-year PSC Agreement related to both event organisation and Volleyball Empowerment and comply with FIVB decisions;

-Immediate payment of outstanding salaries to all coaches under the Volleyball Empowerment programme with a commitment to ensure that future payment(s) are made on-time;

-An immediate signed written commitment to exercise its regulatory and governance authority to move the PVL into the National League season starting in 2027 for the growth of volleyball in the Philippines, comply with the obligation to release players for national team duty as defined in the FIVB Sports Regulations and to govern the domestic calendar according the FIVB Volleyball Calendar framework;

-The creation of a conflict-of-interest policy within PNVF in line with good governance principles within three (3) months;

-The development of a long-term development road map for the national team, including proper infrastructure and budgeting covering the period of PNVF President’s term and a longer term projected budget, approved by the FIVB;

-Completion of a training program on good governance defined by the FIVB within six (6) months of communication by the FIVB;

-Establishment of an Athletes’ Commission composed of current and recently retired athletes and subsequently approve an amendment to the by-laws foreseeing an athlete position on the PNVF Board within six (6) months; and

-The creation of a regional league in the Philippines within six (6) months, designed to strengthen grassroots and regional athlete development, expand competitive opportunities outside Metro Manila, and create a sustainable pathway into the national team and its programmes.”

The international volleyball governing body said it will work with the POC in forming a transition committee to ensure that PNVF operations remain aligned with FIVB standards despite the ongoing suspension.

“The FIVB will also continue to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to monitor progress against the roadmap and ensure that any steps towards the PNVF’s return to recognition are based on clear evidence of compliance, reform and long-term commitment to the development of volleyball in the Philippines,” it added.

The POC announced on Wednesday that it had formally suspended the PNVF following the FIVB's decision.

—JKC, GMA News