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.
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.
FIVB said it would transfer the file to the Disciplinary Council to consider sanctions beyond the scope of the tournament. In the meantime, the Vietnam Volleyball Federation and the relevant athletes were invited to send in writing; FIVB will temporarily stop commenting until the final conclusion.
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.
Currently, the Vietnam Volleyball Federation and the Department of Physical Training and Sports have not yet made an official statement about this unexpected and serious incident.