UST backs Ayo’s appeal on ‘harsh’ UAAP ban

Former UST coach Aldin Ayo. INQUIRER PHOTO/Tristan

MANILA, Philippines—University of Santo Tomas has backed beleaguered head coach Aldin Ayo’s appeal to the UAAP to reconsider his ban.

According to the report from The Varsitarian, UST said the UAAP’s indefinite ban on Ayo was “too harsh.”

“UST has endorsed the letter of appeal of coach Aldin Ayo subject to the qualification that it stands by the report of its fact-finding committee,” a school official said. “We strongly believe that the penalty imposed by the esteemed UAAP board (was) too harsh.”

The UAAP banned Ayo following the government investigation regarding the Sorsogon bubble wherein he allegedly held training sessions with the Growling Tigers.

This was done while quarantine protocols were in place to curb the effects of COVID-19, which was only when professional and football clubs were allowed to train in limited capacity.

Sorsogon Governor Francis “Chiz” Escudero and the provincial police later absolved Ayo of any violation of the health protocols that the Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Task Force implemented.

Ayo has since resigned from his post as head coach at UST.