KOVO’s Statement: Controversial Referee Decisions Spark Outrage in V-League Finals

Daniel Kim 2026.04.09 Views

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Leo’s serve replay (top), Masso’s block replay (bottom) / Photo: Courtesy of KOVO

[Sports Today reporter Shin Seoyoung] The Korea Volleyball Federation (KOVO) on April 9 expressed regret over comments and conduct by Hyundai Capital head coach Philippe Blain.

In an official statement, the federation said it regretted Coach Blain’s inappropriate remarks and behavior. It noted that on April 4, during Game 2 of the championship series between Korean Air and Hyundai Capital, it convened an appeals review committee over the call on Hyundai Capital’s player Leo’s serve in the fifth set at 14-13 and informed the club of the result. Despite that, the statement said, Coach Blain has continued to publicly reject and criticize the decision through the media.

Korean Air and Hyundai Capital met in Game 2 of the Jin Air 2025-2026 V-League men’s championship (best-of-five) at Incheon’s Gyeyang Gymnasium on April 4.

The controversy unfolded in the fifth set with the series tied 2-2. With Hyundai Capital leading 14-13 and holding match point, Leo’s serve landed on the sideline and officials ruled it out.

Hyundai Capital requested a video review, but the ruling stood. After a tight finish, Korean Air closed the match 18-16.

Hyundai Capital strongly protested the call. The dispute intensified because on an earlier point at 12-13, Korean Air’s Masso had a similar play that was ruled in favor of Korean Air.

After the match, Coach Blain voiced strong dissatisfaction with the officials’ decision. \”Hyundai Capital is the true winner. Korean Air is favored in everything,\” he said, adding angrily that it made him feel like \”the president, the head of referees, and everyone else are all in the same circle,\” and that Korean Air should be aware this was a shameful victory.

Hyundai Capital asked the federation to re-review the incident. KOVO held a post-review and appeals committee on April 5 to reexamine the play and, after discussion, upheld the out ruling.

Unlike the FIVB, which uses Hawk-Eye to make in/out determinations, the V-League applies a local rule. In international play, any part of the ball touching the line is ruled in. In the V-League, officials determine the call based on whether the inner edge of the line is visible when the ball is under maximum compression—if the inner edge is visible, it’s out; if not, it’s in.

KOVO said that after a careful and thorough review under the tournament’s video review guidelines, officials examined the ball’s contact point and concluded that, under maximum compression, the inner edge of the line was visible, so the call stood as out.

Despite the federation’s ruling, Coach Blain continued to make comments, including saying, \”We’re the unofficial champions.\”

KOVO said Blain’s repeated inappropriate remarks and behavior damage the credibility and image of the V-League and the federation. The federation expressed deep regret and strong concern, urging him to stop these remarks immediately and to comply with the game rules that all 14 clubs have agreed to implement as a V-League member.

KOVO added that it hopes the remaining Game 5 of the championship series will be a memorable classic for players and fans and said it will continue to work to ensure fair and trustworthy game operations.