Surabaya, E. Java. Vietnam defeated Egypt 3-1 in their placement match at the 2025 FIVB U21 Women’s World Championship on Wednesday, competing for positions 17–24 at Samatorhealthporia in Surabaya.

The victory came after the women's team faced sanctions for fielding a male player in earlier matches. Phuong Quynh appeared on court, countering previous reports that Vietnam had used two male players, while the other player under scrutiny, Dang Thi Hong, did not play and was seen in the stands.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) annulled all of Vietnam’s results in Pool A, ruling that the team had fielded a male player. Vietnam had originally finished second in the group, with four wins over Indonesia, Canada, Serbia, and Puerto Rico, and a loss to Argentina. Under normal circumstances, that record would have secured a spot in the round of 16.

The FIVB cited a violation of Article 12.2 of player regulations. The player involved, whose identity was not disclosed by the FIVB, was removed from the tournament. All matches in which the player participated were forfeited, with Vietnam assigned 0-3 losses. The ruling dropped Vietnam to the bottom of Pool A, leaving only one valid win against Puerto Rico in a match played without Dang Thi Hong and Phuong Quynh, who had undergone chromosome tests.

Phuong returned to the court for Vietnam in the classification round for 17th–24th place.

The Vietnam Volleyball Federation (VFV) has appealed the ruling, asserting that all player registrations complied with FIVB rules and were approved prior to the tournament. VFV said the annulment relied on additional athlete profile requirements introduced on Aug. 12, which had not previously applied to the team.

“VFV confirms it followed all FIVB athlete registration procedures, including submitting complete documents that were reviewed and approved before the championship,” the federation said in a statement.

The FIVB has not yet responded to the appeal but noted that further disciplinary action could follow. Under Article 14.4 of its Disciplinary Regulations, the case will be reviewed by the Disciplinary Panel, which could impose sanctions beyond the tournament.

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