By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) finally lifted the Philippine Tennis Association’s (PHILTA) two-year ban confirmed last January 22, 2024.
With the recent decision announced by the ITF, PHILTA can finally go back to its full operation which includes sending the PHL national tennis team to the ongoing international tournament circuits.
Three years ago, ITF President David Haggerty designated PHILTA as “exclusive membership base” which disqualifies them of being a national sporting federation.
The ITF also recognized that PHILTA is not comprised of regional representatives of different sporting organizations, a violation under ITF.
One factor that also intensified ITF’s ruling on PHILTA was their failure of beating the deadline regarding the passing of reportorial requirements.
PHILTA also wasn’t able to figure out a way to give the ITF plans for amending the constitution to increase memberships.
“I am pleased to confirm that the ITF Board of Directors has decided to lift the suspension of the Philippine Tennis Association in accordance with Article 5 of the ITF Constitution,” said Haggerty.
Aside from the national team’s re-inclusion in the next ITF circuits, the PHL tennis squad will also be permitted to join the Davis Cup again.
Last September 2021, the national team wasn’t able to join the prestigious tournament as part of PHILTA’s penalty amid its ban.
Treat Huey, Ruben Gonzales, and Niño Alcantara, three of the most well-known Filipino tennis players, then decided to take separate paths and joined different international tournaments.
