Foreign reinforcements in the Premier Volleyball League can finally take the court, as all International Transfer Certificates are now fully signed and officially active, clearing the way for imports to participate in the 2025 Reinforced Conference.
As of 6:30 AM on Tuesday, the Philippine National Volleyball Federation completed the endorsements for all foreign and Filipino-American players awaiting clearance, allowing teams to field their full rosters for the remainder of the tournament.
The move comes just a day after several teams were forced to play without their reinforcements.
ZUS Coffee’s Anna DeBeer and Akari’s Annie Mitchem, along with Choco Mucho’s Anyse Smith and Capital1’s Oleksandra Bytsenko, all missed their opening-day matches, leaving their clubs to rely solely on all-Filipino lineups.
(C) PVL Images
The absence of these players was due to pending ITCs, which are required by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball for foreign athletes to compete professionally abroad. Playing without these certificates could have risked sanctions or affected the athletes’ eligibility.
Seventh overall pick Tia Andaya of Choco Mucho also missed the opener, as her ITC transfer from USA Volleyball to the Philippine federation was still pending. Suiting up without it could have jeopardized her transfer and future eligibility to play internationally.
In response to the delay, the PVL issued a strongly worded statement urging the PNVF to expedite the ITC process, emphasizing the league’s commitment to fair play, athlete welfare, and the integrity of the sport.
