PVL to push through with third conference 'with or without imports'

The Premier Volleyball League is intent on holding its season-ending third conference "with or without imports," according to president Ricky Palou.

"We have discussed the matter with the team managers, and they will consult with the owners of the clubs and then provide us with their feedback," he said on Thursday to the media.

The PVL's Reinforced Conference this year has been placed in jeopardy after the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) sent a memo to the league regarding foreign guest players, according to media reports.

The PNVF reportedly recommended that the league "refrain from contracting foreign guest players requiring to undergo the international transfer certificates (ITC) procedure for 2023."

In a letter addressed to the PVL, the PNVF recommends that the league “to refrain from contracting foreign guest players requiring to undergo the ITC procedure for 2023.” @OneSportsPHL

— Mei-Lin Lozada (@meilin_sports) June 29, 2023

The Reinforced Conference features imports per squad. Palou had earlier considered the return of two foreign guest players per team. 

PVL clubs need to secure the ITC for imports to have them play in the Philippines. The ongoing Invitational Conference is also set to have two foreign guest teams for the second round.

According to a report by One Sports' Mei-Lin Lozada, the national volleyball federation cited the PVL for its operations "within the national team period from May 16 to October 15 without due authorization from the PNVF."

A reliable source bared that the national federation sent a memo to the league regarding its operation within the national team period from May 16 to October 15 without due authorization from the PNVF. @OneSportsPHL

— Mei-Lin Lozada (@meilin_sports) June 29, 2023

Recall that the AVC Challenge Cup for Women was held from June 18 to 25 in Indonesia, just a few days before the start of the PVL Invitational Conference on June 27.

The Philippines fielded a squad composed of mostly the Akari Chargers, with reinforcements from the Petro Gazz Angels and the Ateneo Blue Eagles. They finished in seventh place.

It was a different squad from the Philippine team fielded for the 32nd Southeast Asian Games last month, which featured a mix of players from the Creamline Cool Smashers, Choco Mucho Flying Titans, Cignal HD Spikers, PLDT High Speed Hitters, and Akari.

Palou though expressed belief that the issue would be resolved soon.

"By the end of next week, after the Volleyball Nations League, everything will be finalized, as FIVB officials will be present. Tats Suzara's idea is for all parties to convene and find a solution."

(With reports from Mei-Lin Lozada, One Sports Digital)

(CF)