The switch was made after four players from Rebisco had to complete additional requirements for local health and safety protocols.

“The four players’ swab samples weren’t immediately cleared by local health authorities as the results were elevated to Bangkok where the main lab of Thai Dept of Disease Control is based,” PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara said.

“You cannot have only eight players on a team which is bound to play so many number of matches. It’s a sound decision to balance the team—besides, all of the athletes in Thailand are members of the national team,” he added.

Both teams will play in the tournament opener with Rebisco facing Altay of Kazakhstan in Pool B at 7 p.m., and Choco Mucho will be up against Nakhon Ratchasima in Pool A at 1:30 p.m.

The two Philippine teams will compete for the lone Asian spot in the FIVB Volleyball Women’s Club World Championship, which will be held in Turkey from December 15 to 19.