PVL investigating alleged non-payment of Gerflor players’ salary

FILE–Gerflor Defenders in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) is investigating the current situation concerning the Gerflor Defenders after a post went viral claiming that the members have yet to receive their salary in the ongoing second All-Filipino Conference.

The PVL on Thursday released a statement vowing to investigate the situation after it came to light that players of the Defenders are allegedly not receiving their salary from the team.

“Rest assured, we are committed to conducting a thorough and fair inquiry into the matter, ensuring that both the team’s representatives and the players involved will have an opportunity to be heard,” the league wrote. “We take these matters seriously and will take all necessary steps to ensure the integrity and fairness of our league,” the statement read.

In an anonymous post on Reddit, a user claimed that the players from an unnamed PVL team have not been getting paid despite having a legal contract and registration with the Games and Amusement Board as professional athletes.

https://www.facebook.com/100000197671585/posts/7764344920248687/?mibextid=WC7FNe

The Reddit user also claimed that the managers are not treating them well, spreading rumors about the players. 

Former volleyball player-turned-commentator Mela Tunay on Wednesday evening shared a separate Facebook post, which includes the team picture of the Defenders and the Reddit query, lamenting the current situation of the players.

Tunay, who was supposed to play in the 2021 PVL with a new team Peak Form but didn’t push through, claimed that she had the same experience with some people managing Gerflor.

“For a team na PUNO NG LOGOS NG SPONSORS ang jersey, nasan ang budget for the players? (For a team whose jersey is full of sponsors logos, where’s the budget for the players?),” Tunay wrote.

“I hope the PVL and GAB look into this cos right before I retired, I and my former teammates were also victimized by someone named in this post. Biggest reason why I retired, and the biggest reason why a lot of players choose to just stay in the province and not play.”

Despite the issues, Gerflor remained winless in six games after its gallant stand in the last two sets was denied by F2 Logistics, 10-25, 16-25, 14-25, on Thursday at Philsports Arena.

Gerflor coach Sammy Acaylar admits that his team is facing financial problems. #PVL2023 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/jgM5ADmdpA

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) November 9, 2023

Defenders coach Sammy Acaylar admitted that the team is facing financial problems but he continues to motivate his players amid the alleged non-payment.

“I told my players to focus on the game. That was during our meditation. I told them to get rid of negative [thoughts],” he told reporters. “Get rid of negative thoughts and only leave positive. Because it is a game and we don’t like that, as coaches and players we shouldn’t sacrifice because we do our jobs.”

The management on Thursday evening released a statement, acknowledging the problem and promising to resolve the situation.

“We acknowledge the problem, and we are currently working on an immediate solution to resolve it. Rest assured that all matters will be resolved privately for the interest of everyone concerned,” the team wrote.

Gerflor also stressed that it is not affiliated with Quezon City.

“This is to further state that the Quezon City Gerflor Team is a PRIVATE Professional Volleyball Club and is not affiliated with the local government of Quezon City,” the team said.