The Philippine National Volleyball Federation has slapped the Premier Volleyball League with a stiff sanction for holding a tournament "within the national team period without due authorization."

Daily Tribune obtained a copy of the PNVF memo from an unimpeachable source signed by federation president Ramon 'Tats' Suzara on Thursday morning.

PVL clubs won't be able to secure international transfer certificates for foreign guest players in the season-ending Reinforced Conference slated late this year as sanction.

PNVF cited that the country's first and only women's professional volleyball league has violated Article 6.1.1.b of the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball Sports Regulations 2022 which stated that the national team period from 16 May to 15 October shall be prioritized in the calendar.

"As the PVL has scheduled its season and conferences still coinciding with the stipulated National Team season and without due and express authorization, PNVF will now recommend for the league to refrain from contracting foreign guest players requiring to undergo the ITC procedure for 2023. With this, any requests originating from PVL member teams shall not be processed," the memo read.

Foreign guest players need to secure an ITC as part of the requirements to get a green light to play in the PVL's import-laden tournament.

The PVL, which has proven its unwavering support to the national team for years by loaning its players to see action in numerous international competitions, is currently staging its mid-season Invitational Conference which will run until 30 July. A couple of foreign teams are scheduled to fly in to join the Invitational Conference semifinals.

(Updated story)