The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has made a shocking decision, eliminating Vietnam from the Women’s U21 World Championship.
Serbia suffered a defeat to Vietnam in the group stage, which impacted the ranking of the Serbian team, led by Marijana Boričić. However, on the last day of the competition, FIVB suspended Vietnam, citing the participation of two players who were ineligible to compete.
Although the FIVB has not officially confirmed it, there is speculation that the players in question are transgender. Other national teams indirectly hinted at this, including the Serbian coach after the loss, who expressed regret that her team did not have the opportunity to prepare by playing friendly matches against male cadet or junior teams.
¡𝙋𝙊𝙇𝙀́𝙈𝙄𝘾𝘼 𝙈𝙐𝙉𝘿𝙄𝘼𝙇! 😮
— PURO VOLEY (@purovoleyPE) August 12, 2025
Dos jugadoras de la selección de Vietnam ((Thi Hong Dang y Phuong Quynh Nguyen)) fueron separadas por la #FIVB para pasar pruebas cromosómicas previo al encuentro ante Puerto Rico. pic.twitter.com/vLkTKtE6T5
The FIVB released the following statement:
“Following suspicions that the Volleyball Federation of Vietnam used an ineligible player in its team for the 2025 Women’s U21 World Championship in Indonesia, the FIVB conducted an investigation. It was determined that the player did not meet the conditions for participation, as per Article 12.2 of the 2023 FIVB Disciplinary Regulations. All matches played by Vietnam in which the player participated have been registered as an official win for the opposing team, and the player has been disqualified. The case will be referred to the FIVB Disciplinary Commission for the assessment of further sanctions. The Volleyball Federation of Vietnam and the player will be invited to provide their views. The FIVB will not make further comments while the procedure is ongoing.”
With this decision, Serbia advanced to the round of 16 from second place in the group. Our girls were unable to qualify for the quarterfinals of the World Championship, as they lost to Turkey with a score of 3:0 (25:14, 25:23, 25:10).
On Friday, in the playoffs for 9th to 16th place, Serbia will play against the loser of the round of 16 match between Japan and Croatia.
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Source: Sportal, Foto: FIVB