The Philippine Olympic Committee has officially suspended the Philippine National Volleyball Federation after its Executive Board unanimously approved the move during a meeting on Monday at Solaire Resort Hotel in Parañaque City.
“The suspension comes automatically from the international federation’s suspension of its national federation,” said POC President Bambol Tolentino.
The suspension stems from the decision of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) to suspend the PNVF on May 29 under Article 13.1.1 of its Disciplinary Regulations.
At the center of the ongoing investigation by the independent FIVB Ethics Panel are serious governance concerns and multiple alleged violations involving the country’s volleyball governing body.
Recently, a majority of the PNVF Board withdrew its support for president Anthony “Tony Boy” Liao and moved to install Strong Group Athletics owner Frank Lao as his replacement.
However, the POC declared the leadership change invalid, citing the federation’s suspension by the FIVB and the restrictions imposed while the case remains under investigation.
“Their latest election, for the POC, is invalid — no notice to the POC and no observer from the POC,” Tolentino said.
With the suspension in effect, the PNVF is barred from participating in all POC activities, including the General Assembly.
Tolentino added that the POC is also awaiting the decision of the FIVB Ad Hoc Committee, which was created to oversee the sport during the national federation’s suspension.
