The Vietnam Volleyball Federation (VFV) has officially issued information about the case related to the decision of the World Volleyball Federation (FIVB) on the case of the athletes who are said to be unable to participate in the World U21 World Volleyball Tournament in Indonesia.
On the evening of August 12, 2025 (Vietnam time), the World Volleyball Federation (FIVB) suddenly issued a strict discipline notice with the U21 Vietnam Women's Volleyball U21 team at the 2025 World Championship in Indonesia.
Accordingly, FIVB determined that there was an athlete in the team that did not meet the competition conditions under Article 12.2 in the disciplinary regulations in 2023, leading to the decision to cancel the results of the series that this athlete participated and eliminated from the tournament immediately.
Immediately after this information, the Vietnam Volleyball Federation (VFV) issued a “press release about the case of athletes at the World U21 Women's Volleyball Tournament 2025”.
The statement clearly stated: “VFV confirmed that FIVB's regulations on athletes registration procedures as well as fully submit athletes' dossier to FIVB before the tournament. This record was reviewed and approved by FIVB, allowing athletes to participate in the competition.”
“However, the decision on the athletes is not eligible for FIVB to play based on the application for additional records and some conditions for athletes on August 12. These are unprecedented conditions previously prescribed for athletes of the Vietnamese team.”
“Therefore, VFV is conducting an official complaint according to the process of FIVB, and at the same time coordinate with the competent authorities of Vietnam to clarify and protect the rights of athletes as well as the reputation of Vietnamese volleyball.”
“VFV is looking forward to the media agencies and the public to receive objective information, support the U21 Vietnam Women's Volleyball team”.
The losing matches were all Vietnamese matches, including: 3–0 victory over U21 Indonesia, 3–1 against U21 Serbia and U21 Canada. The 1–3 defeat against U21 Argentina was also canceled, converted into losses 0–3. Particularly, the U21 Puerto Rico 3–1 victory was kept intact because the violating athletes did not compete in this match.
Before receiving the penalty, U21 Vietnam finished the group stage in the second position in Group A with a record of 4 wins – 1 loss and preparing to participate in round 16 teams to meet Türkiye.
However, after a series of results was changed, Vietnam Tel fell to the bottom of the board with only 3 points (1 wins – 4 losses), standing under Canada due to losing the sub -index. The team was forced to compete in a class of 17–24, encountered U21 Egypt instead of entering the 1/8 round as planned.
The fine for the Vietnam Volleyball Federation can reach 30,000 Swiss francs (equivalent to 980 million) for each violating athlete. At the same time, related individuals and organizations may face additional penalties, including suspension of up to 2 years.
This is the first time Vietnam has attended the World U21 women's volleyball tournament, the 23rd tournament was held, expanding from 16 to 24 teams, taking place from 7–17 August in Surabaya, Indonesia. Previously, the team was surprised by the end of the group stage with the second position and once won Puerto Rico – the only victory was still effective today.
U21 Vietnam's penalty brings good news for U21 Indonesia. The home team benefited directly when U21 Vietnam was canceled in the 1/8 round. The team of thousands of islands from the penultimate position (must be classified 17-24) was taken to the third in Group A.
The home team played 5 losses 4, only won U21 Canada. After U21 Vietnam received a penalty, the achievement of U21 Indonesia was raised to 2 victories, 3 defeats, winning 8 points. They ranked on Puerto Rico despite losing to the American team in the direct confrontation.
Thus, U21 Indonesia reached the group of 16 teams with the best achievement and will encounter U21 Poland. This is the unexpected success of Indonesian women's volleyball, because this team is not appreciated for the ability to progress deeply.