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JAKARTA (JP): The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has rescinded its decision to ban Indonesia for breaking its commitment to host the word junior championships, which were to be held next September in Jakarta.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