TWO Filipino-American talents - Petro Gazz middle blocker MJ Phillips and newly-drafted Choco Mucho setter Tia Andaya - are both one step closer to completing their changes of federations.
Both part of the Alas Pilipinas pool, Phillips and Andaya have yet to represent the country in FIVB-sanctioned competitions while still affiliated with Volleyball USA.
That will all change soon as Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Tats Suzara said the process has started for the two.
READ Reason behind delays in BVS, Savi, MJ federation switch revealed
“We’re processing now Tia Andaya and MJ Phillips’ change of federation, so I signed the papers already,” said Suzara, who is also the president of the AVC as well as executive president of the world governing body FIVB.
“It will be forwarded to FIVB with some additional documents — barangay certificate, mga ganyan. Hopefully, it will be approved by FIVB and then they can play already.”
BVS federation shift at a standstill
While Phillips and Andaya have taken steps forward, it hasn’t been the case for two-time PVL MVP Brooke Van Sickle.
Even as she has repeatedly expressed her intent to play for the national team, BVS’ camp has yet to submit the necessary documentary requirements needed to proceed with her federation shift request.
“Brooke’s, I have not signed the document. I don’t know if she has accomplished the form but I signed MJ Phillips and Tia Andaya’s at the moment,” Suzara said.
“I hope Brooke can submit this. It’s a matter of completing the form because USA Volleyball signs the form so easily.”
In terms of timelines, the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games is still half a year from now.
If BVS is to catch up, Suzara said that she can submit her documents anytime and also have it processed anytime by the FIVB as the sport’s governing body accommodates federation shift requests in groups of five.
“[We can process federation shift requests] anytime. The executive committee, which I am a part of, can approve anytime any request for change of federations.
“In fact, two days ago, I approved mga five changes of federation, so anytime yan basta laging group of five and then we approve.
“Basta ma-submit lang [ni Brooke]. Documentation lang naman eh [because] she’s really willing to play for the national team.”
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