REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE: A week ago, Indian volleyball came under the scanner after two senior players, Anand K and John Joseph, quit the national camp in Ahmedabad after their confidential communication to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) seeking better facilities at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Ahmedabad was leaked to the VFI. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

The Volleyball Federation of India’s provisional recognition has been “revoked with immediate effect” due to non-compliance of the legal and administrative requirements, FIVB, the world body for volleyball, said on Tuesday.

“In accordance with Articles 1.5.3 and 1.9.1 of the FIVB General Regulations, the FIVB Board of Administration has determined that the legal and administrative requirements established by the FIVB have not been respected by the interim leadership of the Volleyball Federation of India (VFI). As such, the VFI’s provisional recognition has been revoked with immediate effect,” a FIVB statement read.

Moreover, to “ensure continuity, stability and proper governance during this transitional period”, the FIVB has given the administrative responsibilities of the VFI to a Steering Committee. It will consist of IOA Executive Council member Rohit Rajpal, CEO Raghuram lyer, FIVB General Sports Director Steve Tutton, FIVB Head of Legal Affairs and General Counsel Stephen Bock and Hitesh Malhotra.

This committee will include representatives from the FIVB and the Indian Olympic Association, with its top priority being the “welfare and support” of the athletes.

The committee’s responsibilities include:

• Establishment of the Athletes’ Commission
• Conduct of State Association elections
• Alignment of the VFI Constitution with applicable legal and governance frameworks

Moreover under the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment programme, the world body will contribute USD 258,000 (approx. Rs. 2.40 crore) this year towards “athlete support and national team development across both genders and disciplines in India”.

More than a week ago, Indian volleyball came under the scanner after two senior players, Anand K and John Joseph, quit the national camp in Ahmedabad after their confidential communication to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) seeking better facilities at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Ahmedabad was leaked to the VFI.

(With PTI inputs)

Published on Apr 21, 2026