Requesting FIVB to explain the sanctions

The case has attracted significant attention both domestically and across Southeast Asia. Over the past two days, various opinions have been voiced, but until the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) issues an official statement, the athlete and the U21 Vietnam team will not know the exact reason for the penalty.

On August 13, VFV Secretary General Le Tri Truong stated that the federation had sent an official letter to the FIVB, urging the body to clarify the specific reasons for imposing such a heavy penalty on both an individual player and the entire U21 Vietnam team during the championship.

"VFV and the U21 team were very surprised by the decision. We have done nothing wrong and have complied with all the organizers’ requirements. Whether the violation is considered from the athlete’s side or the federation’s, we are still in discussion with FIVB and affirm that we always adhere to tournament regulations. We request FIVB to clarify the rules cited in the sanction notice to protect the athlete’s rights and safeguard VFV’s reputation. Currently, VFV is coordinating with relevant authorities and has sent an official document to the FIVB," Truong said.

Earlier, after announcing the penalties, FIVB declared that during the competition it would not provide any information. In the coming period, both VFV and the penalized athlete will be invited to submit written statements.

Issues over an athlete’s birth certificate?

"During the tournament, the organizers sent VFV a written request to verify the documents and personal details of three Vietnamese players. They also asked for the players’ birth certificates. We immediately contacted their families and local authorities to send complete documents to the organizers.

The organizers even requested to check the original birth certificates. After translating the documents, VFV submitted them. However, during exchanges, issues arose with two players: the date the birth certificates were issued differed from the date of birth. One athlete’s certificate was issued one year after birth, another two years later.

We explained that the essential information on the birth certificates was valid, but the organizers still barred the two athletes from competing. VFV objected to this decision. On the evening of August 12, FIVB unexpectedly issued the official penalty notice against the athletes and the team, despite all documents being in compliance with regulations," Truong said.

"Both VFV and the U21 team complied with all documentation rules. In the pre-tournament technical meeting, no objections were raised. Yet, near the end of the group stage, the organizers suddenly announced document checks. I have never encountered such personal document inspections before. The annulment of U21 Vietnam’s results is extremely regrettable and unfair to the players," Truong emphasized.

U21 Vietnam fights on after the blow

With four matches forfeited, U21 Vietnam finished last in Group A and missed out on the round of 16. Coach Nguyen Trong Linh’s squad then faced Egypt in the 17th-24th place playoffs. Despite the setback, the Vietnamese women delivered a spirited performance, defeating Egypt 3-1 to earn a place in the 17th-20th playoff against Chile in their final match.

"Regardless of the situation, the team must continue to play. After the incident, VFV spoke with the coaching staff to ensure the athletes stayed focused and gave their all for the national colors," Truong added.

Dai Nam