On August 13, VFV officially addressed FIVB’s decision regarding an athlete deemed ineligible to compete at the 2025 U21 Women’s World Championship in Indonesia. VFV asserted that it had complied fully with FIVB’s registration procedures and submitted all required player documents, which were reviewed and approved before the tournament.

However, on August 12, FIVB issued new requirements for additional documents and conditions that had not previously applied to Vietnam’s players. Based on these, it declared one athlete ineligible. VFV is filing a formal appeal under FIVB procedures and working with Vietnamese authorities to clarify the matter and defend both the player’s rights and the sport’s reputation.

On August 13, two Vietnamese players were barred from competing, though one was later cleared for the 1 p.m. match against Egypt. The other remains sidelined per FIVB’s latest notice. The information was conveyed to VFV and the team in a meeting at 9:30 p.m. on August 12, followed by an official announcement that same night.

FIVB’s decision voided all matches in which the ineligible player participated, awarding 0-3 losses, which dropped Vietnam to sixth place in Group A with just one win - eliminating them from the round of 16. The federation has not yet explained the specific regulation the player allegedly violated.

VFV, supported by lawyers, is compiling evidence to present to FIVB in defense of the player. The case has shocked Vietnam’s volleyball community, as the team had made a strong impression before the ruling.

Dai Nam