PVL accuses PNVF of blocking imports over ITCs

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The Premier Volleyball League called out the Philippine National Volleyball Federation for withholding endorsements of International Transfer Certificates, keeping foreign reinforcements off the court at the season-ending Reinforced Conference.

Sports Vision, the PVL organizer, said the federation refused to endorse ITCs despite the timely submission of signed clearances from players, their home federations, and PVL clubs.

“The PVL regrets to inform the public that the foreign guest players will not be permitted to participate in the ongoing season-ending conference until their ITCs are duly approved,” said Sports Vision.

League officials said the delay undermines competitive integrity, jeopardizes the careers and contracts of imports who traveled to the Philippines in good faith, and leaves both players and fans in limbo.

“We respectfully urge the PNVF to expedite the signing process to prevent further disruption to the tournament,” the statement added.

Sources close to the situation alleged the impasse is tied to a scheduling dispute, with the federation pressing the PVL to end the Reinforced Conference by Nov. 16 to accommodate national team preparations for the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.

PVL officials said they had already adjusted their calendar to start after national team commitments scheduled to end by September 30, but the federation later insisted on an earlier finish than the previously announced Nov. 27 finals.

“Preparations have been made in good faith based on the schedule given to us. But then, at the last minute, the PNVF changed the terms,” said a league official.

“Is the PVL composed only of players in the national team? What happens to the rest of Philippine volleyball – to its growth, to its fans, to the professional clubs – if all PNVF programs are implemented unilaterally and disruptively?”

With ITCs stalled, the PVL opened its Reinforced Conference with all-Filipino rosters, including opening-day games at the Ynares Center in Montalban featuring ZUS Coffee versus Akari and Capital1 against Choco Mucho.

Officials and stakeholders questioned the motives and effectiveness of the federation, accusing it of prioritizing political control over sport development and undermining professional league operations.

“What real contribution has the PNVF made to the growth of volleyball in the country? Aside from asserting authority and taking credit for the achievements of others, what lasting legacy are they building?” another official asked.

International Transfer Certificates are documents recognized by volleyball governing bodies to verify a player’s eligibility to compete in a foreign league, and national federations typically process them to ensure compliance with international regulations.

As of press time, the federation had yet to issue an official statement explaining its refusal to endorse the ITCs.