The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) has announced a sudden adjustment to its six-team Invitational after the Kurashiki Ablaze from Japan officially pulled out just days before the tournament.

Kurashiki, the reigning 2023 PVL Invitational champion, withdrew following a serious compliance violation allegedly committed by head coach Hideo Suzuki.

According to Daisuke Watanabe, Representative Director of Ablaze Co. Ltd., the team immediately suspended all activities to conduct an internal investigation. “It is with great regret that we must inform you of our decision to withdraw from participating in the PVL Invitational,” Watanabe said, apologizing to all stakeholders for the disruption.

Thunderbelles take the final slot

With Kurashiki out, the PVL extended an invitation to Farm Fresh owner Frank Lao. However, Lao declined to send the Foxies, explaining they lacked a complete training roster. Instead, he chose to field the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles.

The Thunderbelles, who placed sixth in the PVL On Tour, will now compete in the Invitational as the replacement team.

The sudden exit of Kurashiki marks a significant shift in the Invitational. The inclusion of the Thunderbelles ensures the league maintains a full lineup for the two-week event, keeping the competition intact despite the late development.