Osasco São Cristóvão Saúde published an official statement explaining the reasons for the absence of the controversially known Tiffany Abreu from the preliminary list of registered players for the 2025 FIVB Women's Club World Championship. The competition, organized by FIVB, will take place in December in São Paulo, and clubs, including the Brazilian DENTIL PRAIA CLUBE, where Maria Koleva plays, have already submitted their initial lists.
According to the statement released by Osasco, Tiffany's name is absent because the volleyball player is undergoing an approval procedure by the Sex Eligibility Committee of the International Federation. This is a mandatory requirement for transgender athletes' participation in international tournaments. The club emphasizes that Tiffany is fulfilling all steps and deadlines stipulated in the regulations, and the process is new and specific to competitions under the FIVB's aegis.
Osasco expresses its full support for the athlete and refrains from commenting on medical and legal details, as the procedure is still ongoing. The club clarifies that the preliminary list was prepared according to the rules and includes more names than those currently participating in Superliga 2025/26, as this is part of strategic planning. Presence or absence in the preliminary list does not guarantee participation in the Club World Championship.
Context of the case: regulations, debates, and processes within FIVB
The topic of transgender athletes' eligibility in women's sports continues to be part of international sports debates in recent years. FIVB has introduced more detailed regulations that require clubs and athletes to undergo specific procedures to guarantee participation in international tournaments.
Tiffany Abreu, who has been playing in women's championships since 2017 after approval from international institutions, has always followed the participation requirements, including the current rules applicable to the Club World Championship.
In Brazil, debates surrounding her presence in women's volleyball often gain media attention, but are frequently emotional, which is why Osasco, in its statement, explicitly calls for respect, a responsible tone, and the absence of personal attacks. photo:
photo:otempo.com.br
