FIVB allows Thai replacements after eight players tests positive for Covid-19

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has allowed Thailand to bring in replacement players in Week 2 of the Volleyball Nations League Women’s Leg after eight members tested positive for Covid-19.

In a statement, the decision was made “due to exceptional medical circumstances related to Covid-19.”

“The special replacement procedure was agreed by the remaining seven participating teams in Pool 4 of the VNL which is currently taking place from 14 to 19 June in the Philippines,” the statement read.

In addition, the FIVB/ Volleyball World will now allow for exceptional medical replacements related to Covid-19.

“As always, the FIVB’s primary concern is protecting the health and wellbeing of our athletes, officials, and fans, and there will be no compromise in this regard,” the statement read.

First reported in Thai newspaper, The Nation, Thailand Volleyball Association President Somporn Chaibangyan confirmed that four players – Piyanut Pannoy, Supattra Pairoj, Watchareeya Nuanjam, and Sutadta Chuewulim – were infected of the virus before their match against Canada Tuesday, while Sasipaporn Janthawisut, Natthanicha Jaisaen, Hattaya Bamrungsuk, and Tichakorn Boonlert tested positive after the match.

It was reported that only seven or eight players are left with only one libero.

Thailand arrived early for the VNL to play an exhibition game against the Philippine team last Saturday before playing Canada on Tuesday.

The Thais currently tote a 4-1 mark for 11 points in the overall standings and are slated to face Poland Thursday at 11 a.m.