Outlook bleak for LVPI bid to reclaim ‘debt’ paid to FIVB

The Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas (LVPI) is scrambling to recoup money it shelled out when it gained provisional recognition from the sport’s international federation, but it faces a tough climb and can expect little help from the newly-created Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF).

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has responded to the LVPI letter demanding the return of the $80,000 (around P3.8 million) it shelled out when it assumed the reins of the sport as the country’s national federation.

However, the response wasn’t exactly one the LVPI was hoping for.

LVPI president Joey Romasanta said the FIVB legal counsel replied to acknowledge their letter dated May 4, where the delisted group voiced an intention to seek legal relief in an effort to get back the money. But Romasanta said the response did not give any assurance of reimbursement of the sum, which represented a debt owed by LVPI predecessors Philippine Volleyball Federation and Philippine Amateur Volleyball Association.

Bad news

More bad news for the LVPI: A source said the payment—which was part of the conditions imposed by the FIVB to lift its sanctions on the Philippines—will never be returned.

“FIVB will not refund that as LVPI already enjoyed 4-5 years of provisional recognition of the FIVB,” said the source on Wednesday.

The LVPI is hoping for an assist from the PNVF, which has gained recognition from the FIVB, in recovering the sum. But the LVPI may not get much help there.

PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara has said they will not reimburse the money because they are a different federation.

By all indications, the PNVF seems to be moving away from the sport’s troubled past.

Suzara said the country is hosting the Asian seniors championships in August to help the national teams prepare for the Southeast Asian Games in November.

The PNVF chief said Brazilian Olympic coach Jorge Edson Souza de Brito will arrive on July 1 to handle the national squad.