VFV conducts gender verification for players at the 2026 National Women's Volleyball Championship

This measure is intended to guarantee equity in national tournaments, ensuring a wholesome competitive setting for Vietnamese volleyball as it integrates globally.

The Vietnam Volleyball Federation (VFV) has recently issued a new regulation concerning the determination of female athlete eligibility through genetic testing at competitions within the national system. This move is seen as a step to enhance transparency and ensure fairness in competitions.

According to Announcement No. 02/TB-LĐBCVN signed on March 10, 2026, starting in 2026, VFV may conduct chromosome testing on female players if doubts arise or verification requests occur during tournament organization. This regulation is developed based on standards from the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) and the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB).

As per the document's content, the initial responsibility for determining athlete eligibility remains with clubs and teams. However, VFV has the authority to intervene directly in necessary cases to ensure transparency and objectivity.

The verification process is detailed with 10 specific steps. The primary testing method is the PCR technique for the SRY gene—a standard in genetics used to detect the presence of the Y chromosome. Testing will be performed at designated medical facilities, while also ensuring the confidentiality of athletes' personal information.

If a team wishes to request testing of an opponent's player, the team leader must submit a deposit of 10 million VND. This deposit will only be refunded if the test result shows the examined athlete is not genetically female. This clause aims to limit unfounded complaints and avoid unnecessary impacts on athletes.

While awaiting results, the player is still permitted to compete normally to avoid affecting the team's competition schedule. However, if the test detects the Y chromosome, the information will be sent to the tournament supervisory board and VFV for a final decision on suspending that athlete's participation. Conversely, if no Y chromosome is present, the player will continue competing as usual.

The new VFV regulation is expected to contribute to standardizing the management of female athletes, while creating a more equitable and transparent competitive environment for Vietnamese volleyball in the context of increasingly deep international sports integration.