PSL denies Iriga's appeal on Soltones suspension

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Superliga formally junked the appeal filed by Iriga City regarding the suspension of Grethcel Soltones.

In an emergency meeting Tuesday morning, the team owners came up with a unanimous decision that upholds the one-year suspension and P50,000 fine slapped on Soltones for not abiding by the league’s “One-League Policy.”

Team owners from Petron, Generika-Ayala, Cignal, Foton, Sta. Lucia, F2 Logistics and Cocolife were all present and were one in maintaining that Soltones’ action of suiting up in the Premier Volleyball League PVL All-Star game last October 29 merits a suspension.

“The team owners in an emergency meeting today at 11 a.m. unanimously denied the request for reconsideration of Iriga regarding Soltones’ suspension,” said PSL president Ramon Suzara in a text message to reporters.

“The vote was 7-0 with all team owners present,” he added.

Guest team University of Santo Tomas and Iriga City were not allowed to be part of the deliberation.

Soltones doesn’t have a contract yet with Iriga, much to the dismay of league officials, who have imposed a rule on all teams to sign their players to a minimum one-year deal.

Iriga City head coach Parley Tupaz, however, is ready to leave the issue behind and rally his wards to a memorable performance.

Sans Soltones, the Lady Oragons dropped their match to unbeaten Foton, 10-25, 23-25, 19-25.

“Sabi ko naman sa kanila na wag na nilang intindihin yun (Soltones) issue kasi yun na yun eh,” said Tupaz, the former assistant coach of Ateneo de Manila University who is also making his debut in the PSL.

“Wala tayong magagawa dyan kungdi mag-move on na. Kung talagang ganun ang desisyon nila, wag na natin ipilit. May sariling rule kasi ang PSL.”

Meanwhile, the PVL rushed to Soltones’ defense, branding the PSL’s decision as absurd and ridiculous.

Ricky Palou, president of organizing Sports Vision, stressed that Soltones is not under contract with the PSL and is only “on loan” to Iriga City.

He also pointed out that the PVL All-Star game is just a one-day charity event for the benefit of HERO Foundation and is not part of their league’s regular tournament.

“The suspension and hefty fine on Soltones by the PSL officials is absurd and uncalled for,” said Palou in a press statement.

“In the first place, Soltones has no contract with the PSL. She is only on loan as her mother league is still the PVL.”