MANILA, Philippines —Kurashiki Ablaze has withdrawn from the PVL Invitational due to an internal issue involving head coach Hideo Suzuki, with ZUS Coffee stepping in to complete the new six-team field.

The PVL announced Thursday that Ablaze pulled out just two days before their scheduled opener against fellow Japanese side Kobe Shinwa University at Philsports Arena. The move came after Suzuki allegedly committed a serious compliance violation.

SCHEDULE: 2025 PVL Invitational tournament 

“We regret to inform you that we received a notice from the Japan Volleyball League indicating that our head coach, Hideo Suzuki, may have committed a serious compliance violation,” said Daisuke Watanabe, Representative Director of Ablaze Co. Ltd., in an official statement.

“In response to this notification, our team has decided to immediately commence an internal investigation and suspend all activities until the details of the incident are fully clarified.”

“It is with great regret that we must inform you of our decision to withdraw from participating in the PVL Invitational. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this sudden decision, made so close to the start of the tournament, may cause to all parties involved,” he added.

Kurashiki ruled the 2023 Invitational Conference after beating Creamline in a five-set classic. The V.League team missed the final last year after finishing with a 2-2 record, but captured the bronze after sweeping Thai club, EST Cola.

The PVL has tapped the fifth-placed team from the PVL on Tour to complete the tournament lineup.

An invitation was initially offered to Farm Fresh owner Frank Lao, but he chose instead to field the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, citing the Foxies’ incomplete roster and lack of full preparation.

The Thunderbelles finished sixth in the On Tour games.