Photo from Jaja Santiago's Instagram

MANILA – Despite acquiring Japanese citizenship, Jaja Santiago, now known as Sachi Minowa, "could never play with Japan" because of an FIVB rule that prohibits players from federation switching after suiting up for their original national team, according to Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) president Tats Suzara.

Suzara, also the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) chief, said this during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.

READ: 'Not an easy decision': Jaja Santiago obtains Japanese citizenship

Screengrab from FIVB Sports Regulations 2024"There was a new rule last year by FIVB that if you played in a national team of another country, you cannot transfer federation anymore," Suzara said.

"Ang problema, Jaja already played sa national team sa Philippines three or four times already. So with the new rule, last year, she can never play with Japan," Suzara added.

READ: Jaja Santiago to train with Japan national volleyball team

Suzara asserted that Santiago could still play for the Philippines as it was her federation of origin.

"She can still play with Philippines. Pwede pa siya. Because her federation of origin is Philippines. Hindi passport ang binabasehan dito--federation of origin," he said.

Suzara said a transfer could have prospered if Santiago previously did not play for the Philippine national team.

"So Jaja is still Filipino by nature to play for the national team. Kung hindi siya nag-national team, pwede ma-transfer. She can transfer."

Last month, Santiago revealed that she had obtained Japanese citizenship, which was supposed to be a step closer to her dream of playing in the Olympics.

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