MANILA, Philippines — A replacement team is set to join the 2024 PVL Invitational Conference as PLDT is keen on skipping the tournament from September 4 to 12 but the move is intended for the health of its weary players and not related to its semifinal loss to Akari marred by a controversial call.

A day after their heartbreaking five-set loss to Akari, coach Rald Ricafort confirmed the report that they sent a letter to the league to skip the Invitationals due to the players’ health since the next conference is set to open two days after the final day of Reinforced.

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“Yes we passed a letter last week na mag pass sa Invitational conference. Maraming may injuries ngayon na nilaban lang ang conference. Sa nangyari, I think its best to recover nalang physically, mentally and emotionally as well. Para maka laro ulit kami ng maayos sa November conference,” Ricafort told Inquirer Sports.

PVL: PLDT to file protest over controversial semis loss to Akari

PVL commissioner Sherwin Malonzo confirmed to the Inquirer that PLDT filed the letter last week with its intension like to skip the tournament, which features two guest teams defending Kurashiki Ablaze of Japan and Thai team EST Cola.

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He said that a replacement squad, which he didn’t divulge as the league is set to announce it, will complete the six-team cast including Reinforced finalist Akari and Creamline as well as Cignal.

PLDT has a pending protest after its controversial unsuccessful net fault challenge, losing to Akari in the knockout semifinal, 25-22, 18-25, 22-25, 26-24, 17-15, on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Holding on at match point, 14-13, the High Speed Hitters called for a video challenge calling for a net touch on the Akari’s Ezra Madrigal that could’ve awarded the High Speed Hitters the winning point.

READ: PVL explains no net fault in controversial Akari-PLDT endgame

But the officials ruled against the challenge, letting the Chargers force a deuce at 14-all and eventually complete a come-from-behind win for a breakthrough PVL Finals stint.

Malonzo cited the FIVB rulebook regarding contact with the net, saying that Madrigal had not committed a net fault with both her feet already on the floor and that the contact with the net was a second motion away from ball play.

PLDT coach Rald Ricafort during the PVL Reinforced COnference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

The commissioner also clarified that the challenge wasn’t shown on the screen and broadcast to avoid confusion, saying that both teams saw the challenge clip. He also promised to review and take action on PLDT’s protest.

PLDT on Sunday posted a statement, thanking the support of the volleyball community, who encouraged them “to file a protest to bring back some sense of integrity into the sport.”

“We have officially filed a complaint with the PVL Board. Our High Speed Hitters and the coaches have been fighting tooth and nail for every win and every point. This is us, the management, showing that we will fight for them, too,” the team wrote. “From this point on, we can only hope for the best. Muli, maraming, maraming salamat sa pagmamahal!”

PLDT will face sister team Cignal for the bronze medal on Monday at 4 p.m. at Smart Araneta Coliseum.