The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has deepened the wounds of Vietnam’s U21 women’s volleyball team after an extraordinary clerical error at the 2025 U21 World Championship.

Despite previously banning 19-year-old outside hitter Dang Thi Hong for “ineligibility,” FIVB suddenly listed her name on Vietnam’s roster for their classification match against Chile on August 15. The mistake sparked hope among Vietnamese fans that the ban had been lifted, only for FIVB to admit later it was a registration error.

Fans, who had expected fairness for Vietnam, felt crushed by the mix-up. A Vietnam U21 coaching staff member said the entire team was shocked to see Hong’s name on the official lineup, especially since no formal notice had been received from FIVB.

It was only after the federation sent an apology email admitting it had mistakenly registered her that the truth became clear. Hong’s name was then deleted from the updated roster.

Though corrected, the error was seen as careless and unprofessional. The coaching staff emphasized that it had caused emotional harm not only to Hong but also to the entire squad.

To date, FIVB has yet to explain why Hong was disqualified in the first place, a decision that forced Vietnam to forfeit all four of its group-stage matches. The Vietnam Volleyball Federation has formally requested clarification but is still awaiting an answer.

Amid these controversies, head coach Nguyen Trong Linh urged his players to stay focused and united. “We must overcome the shock, play with spirit, and give our best for the national colors,” he told his team ahead of the Chile match.

Dai Nam