BY WAYLON GALVEZ
THE Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas remains as the recognized national federation after the FIVB reiterated its stance on an earlier decision to suspend and cancel all rights of the Philippine Volleyball Federation.
In a letter obtained by Manila Bulletin-Tempo, FIVB General Director Fabio Azevedo of Argentina made the clarification.
In his response to a communication sent by Edgar Cantada of the PVF, Azevedo mentioned that the status of the LVPI – headed by Joey Romasanta – remains as the “provisionally affiliated” member of the FIVB.
Aside from that, the LVPI also has the “rights granted to provisional members” under the world volleyball body’s regulations, which include organizing of both local and international tournaments, as well as the formation of the national team in men’s and women’s.
As for the PVF, Azevedo reiterated that it remains as a member of the FIVB and hasn’t been expelled by the World Congress, but “has lost all of its rights” except for affiliation because it is not recognized by the sports authority of its country – the Philippine Olympic Committee.
The local Olympic body has already given its recognition to the LVPI.
The FIVB has twice tackled the issue of Philippine volleyball but has deferred in making a decision. For the LVPI to get full membership, it should get 2/3 vote of the FIVB general assembly.
The FIVB is set to have its GA next month.
Prior to the GA, the FIVB will send a delegation of Jizhong Wei, Chistobal Marte Hoffiz, Stephen Bock, Jaime Lamboy and Azevedo to try to resolve the issue with the LVPI, PVF, the POC and even the Philippine Sports Commission next month.
LVPI president Joey Romasanta, vice president Peter Cayco and secretary general Ariel Paredes said they welcome the report that FIVB is sending a five-man team to observe the state of volleyball in the country.
“They have all the documents they needed, and we have complied with all the conditions they set for us back in 2015,” said Romasanta, who mentioned that one of the conditions were payments of past due by PVF to the FIVB amounting to $90,000 for staging of FIVB-sanctioned meets and sending national teams to international competitions.
Meantime, the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) turned down the entry of the PVF to the 2020 AVC Championship.
