LVPI seeks P3.8-M ‘debt’ refund

The Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. (LVPI) is demanding the return of $80,000 (roughly P3.8 million) it paid to its flip-flopping international federation at the heels of new elections the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has ordered for the national association.

LVPI president Joey Romasanta wrote the international volleyball federation (FIVB) regarding its status, saying the world governing body of the sport had granted it “provisional” authority over volleyball affairs in the country.

But on Tuesday, POC president Abraham Tolentino said it will preside over new elections for volleyball upon the request of FIVB through its general director, Fabio Azevedo.

Romasanta said LVPI hasn’t received any notice regarding the FIVB’s withdrawal of recognition of its authority.

“We have abided by their conditions set in 2015; we have paid out debts that were not ours,” Romasanta said. “I think it’s only fair and justified that we’re given the courtesy of being informed.”

Those payments made by LVPI reached $80,000.

“They (FIVB) or the next volleyball body should return the amount to us,” Romasanta said.

Invoking a letter from the FIVB dated Dec. 7, 2020, Tolentino said they will ask “all volleyball stakeholders to cooperate and participate in the elections.”