FIVB cancels move to ban Indonesia

FIVB cancels move to ban Indonesia

JAKARTA (JP): The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB)
has rescinded its decision to ban Indonesia for breaking its
commitment to host the word junior championships, which were to
be held next September in Jakarta.

"We received a letter from FIVB Tuesday stating that it has
canceled the ban," Indonesian Volleyball Association (PBVSI)
spokesman Lufti Sukri quoted PBVSI executive chairwoman Rita
Subowo as saying yesterday.

He said a few hours before the letter came that the
association's officials were planning to hold a special meeting
to discuss the ban.

In the letter signed by FIVB competition coordinator Seppo
Inanen, it was further stated that in lieu of the ban, the
federation imposed a fine of US$10,000 on PBVSI.

Rita said Indonesia would pay the fine. "But we have no idea
when the money must be sent to FIVB, pending the meeting of the
federation's executive board members."

The federation decided last month to ban Indonesia from all
international matches for one year for being unable to fulfill
its commitment to host the world championships.

The ban was announced by FIVB president Ruben Acosta at a
press conference in Jakarta on Nov. 27.

Acosta also said Indonesia would additionally be barred from
staging any international volleyball tournaments for four years.

If put into effect, the double punishment would mean that
Indonesia might have to drop volleyball from the list of medal
events at the 19th SEA Games to be held next October here. The
country might also cancel the Women's Grand Prix championship,
scheduled from next Aug. 1 to Aug. 3.

Rita said Indonesia was forced to break its commitment to host
the world championships because of financial constraints.

"The event would cost us $800,000, with $200,000 to provided
by the FIVB. Even so, we could not afford it because we are
concentrating on hosting the SEA Games, due to take place here
just a few weeks after the junior world volleyball meet,"

She said she was greatly relieved by the federation's decision
to cancel the ban.

"I think the decision was made due to our successes in staging
various international volleyball tournaments in the past four
years," she said. (bas)