VFV to appeal FIVB’s sanction

Hanoi, 13 August, 2025 – At the group stage of the 2025 U21 Women’s World Volleyball Championship, Vietnam’s U21 women’s team delivered an impressive performance, winning four out of five matches to secure second place in Group A. Under the original bracket, they were set to advance to the round of 16 to face Turkey, the third-placed team in Group C.

However, late on August 12, the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) announced that one Vietnam U21 player had been deemed ineligible to participate in the tournament but had still played in four of the team’s group-stage matches. As a result, those matches were forfeited with 0-3 losses awarded to Vietnam.

The only result that stood was Vietnam’s 3-1 victory over Puerto Rico in the final group-stage match, in which the ineligible player did not participate.

With this ruling, Vietnam’s official record was adjusted to one win and four losses, dropping them to sixth place in Group A. Instead of competing in the round of 16, they will now face Egypt in classification matches for positions 17 to 24.

Following the ruling, the Vietnam Volleyball Federation (VFV) issued an official response:

“VFV affirms that we have complied with all FIVB regulations regarding player registration procedures and submitted the full set of required documents to FIVB before the tournament. These documents were reviewed and approved, granting our players eligibility to compete. However, FIVB’s decision on the player’s ineligibility was based on requests for additional documents and certain conditions issued on August 12. These conditions had never previously been stipulated for Vietnamese players.”

VFV further stated:

“We are filing an official appeal under FIVB procedures, while also coordinating with relevant Vietnamese authorities to clarify the matter and protect both the rights of the player and the reputation of Vietnamese volleyball.”

The incident has sparked disappointment among fans, as Vietnam had shown strong form in the early stages of the competition. The outcome of VFV’s appeal will determine whether the forfeits stand or if the team can reclaim its original results.