JAKARTA – The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has officially sanctioned Vietnam from the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women's U-21 World Championship for fielding an ineligible player.
The world governing body announced the results of its investigation into Vietnam's alleged fraudulent use of an ineligible player on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at noon WIB.
"The investigation concluded that the player in question was ineligible in accordance with Article 12.2 of the 2023 FIVB Disciplinary Regulations," the FIVB wrote in a statement on its official website.
Previously, allegations arose that Vietnam fielded two players who were believed to be male, Thi Hong Dang and Phuong Quynh. Both subsequently underwent medical examinations by the tournament organizers.
The investigation was ongoing when Vietnam played against Puerto Rico in their final Group A match on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at noon WIB.
The FIVB stated that the FIVB Disciplinary Panel Sub-Committee has decided that Vietnam's matches involving the player in question will be forfeited.
"In accordance with Article 14.4 of the Disciplinary Regulations and considering the circumstances of this case, the FIVB Disciplinary Panel Sub-Committee will refer the case to the FIVB Disciplinary Panel for further evaluation regarding potential out-of-competition sanctions."
"At that stage, the Vietnam Volleyball Federation and the player will be invited to submit their position in writing."
"The FIVB will not comment further on this matter while the process is ongoing," the FIVB stated.
This decision also ensures that the Indonesian U-21 Women's National Volleyball Team has secured its place in the Round of 16 after previously finishing fifth in Group A.
Being outside the top four meant Indonesia was only supposed to participate in the 17th-24th place classification matches. However, Vietnam's expulsion allows Indonesia to move up to third place in the standings.
The FIVB's punishment resulted in Vietnam being docked points and dropping to the bottom of the standings. Meanwhile, Indonesia earned an additional point and advanced to the round of 16 alongside Argentina, Serbia, and Puerto Rico.
Before the sanctions were imposed, Vietnam was in second place in Group A with 12 points. However, after the sanctions, their points total was reduced to just three.
These points came from a victory over Puerto Rico. The FIVB deemed the victory valid because Thi Hong Dang and Phuong Quynh did not play.
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