The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) is expected to formally suspend the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) during its General Assembly in June, following the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB)’s decision to suspend the national federation with immediate effect.
POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino confirmed that the committee had received the FIVB’s notice and would comply with the ruling, which stemmed from what the world governing body described as serious governance concerns and alleged violations of the FIVB Code of Ethics currently under investigation.
“The POC will abide by the decision of the IF (International Federation),” Tolentino said. “It’s their internal rules, but the POC will always be for the welfare of the athletes, their developmental program, and the Olympic movement.”
The development came just hours after the Philippine Sports Commission froze funding support for the PNVF, citing concerns over national team participation, organizational alignment, and compliance with contractual obligations.
PNVF Needs to Get Its Act Together
In its statement, the FIVB announced that it had suspended the PNVF headed by Tony Boy Liao and appointed an Ad Hoc Committee to temporarily oversee the federation’s affairs during the suspension period.
The committee, composed of senior FIVB officials and legal representatives, was tasked with ensuring stability, proper governance, and the continued development of volleyball in the Philippines while investigations remain ongoing.
Among its immediate priorities are supporting the participation of Philippine national teams in upcoming international competitions and ensuring the successful staging of the Volleyball Nations League stop in the Philippines in June.
Tolentino said the POC will seek further clarification from the FIVB regarding the committee’s authority, particularly in relation to the federation’s domestic operations.
“We will clarify who will take over the PNVF’s domestic affairs,” he said.
Why POC Support Is Crucial for the PNVF
Under the Olympic Charter and POC regulations, national sports associations must remain recognized by their respective international federations to maintain good standing within the POC. As a result, the PNVF’s suspension by the FIVB is expected to automatically trigger corresponding action from the POC.
The situation also raises immediate concerns for the Philippine women’s national volleyball team, which is scheduled to compete in the AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup beginning June 6 in Candon City, Ilocos Sur.
The FIVB has stated that one of the Ad Hoc Committee’s key responsibilities is to ensure that Philippine athletes continue to participate in international competitions despite the federation’s suspension.
The POC has previously assumed caretaker roles for national sports associations that encountered governance issues with their international federations, including organizations in tennis and billiards.
For now, Philippine volleyball enters a period of uncertainty, with both local and international stakeholders expected to work closely to ensure that athletes and upcoming competitions remain protected while governance issues are addressed.
