Nemostars Volleyball Club have rejected the decision by the Uganda Volleyball Federation that awarded their National Volleyball League semifinal series to Elyon Volleyball Club, insisting they fielded only eligible players and will pursue an appeal.
The development follows a dramatic turnaround in the playoff series. Nemostars had beaten Elyon 3-1 in Game One before suffering a 3-0 defeat in Game Two as the youthful Elyon side levelled the tie. Nemostars then responded with a straight-sets 3-0 win in Game Three at Old Kampala Arena, a result that initially appeared to seal their place in the final.
However, Elyon lodged petitions with the federation challenging the eligibility of Nemostars players Salva Marial and Frederick Mujinya. A UVF-appointed committee found both players to be in breach of the federation’s constitution and 2022 bylaws, leading to the match being awarded to Elyon by a 3-0 scoreline and overturning the semifinal outcome.
In a statement dated March 29, Nemostars said they “officially and categorically reject a baseless petition” and maintained that all their players were “registered in strict accordance” with federation regulations.
The club argued that the players in question had been cleared for the 2026 season and had featured in regular-season matches “without any prior formal objection.” They also stated that their roster complies with international eligibility and transfer regulations, adding that concerns raised at this stage were “a strategic attempt to disrupt our championship campaign.”
Nemostars confirmed they are reviewing the federation’s communication and will “use all legal avenues” within the sport’s structures to appeal what they describe as an unjust decision that removes them from the finals.
The ruling reshaped the NVL finals lineup, with Elyon now set to face Nkumba Volleyball Club following a separate eligibility decision in the other semifinal.
The dispute adds uncertainty ahead of the championship series, with the possibility of further proceedings depending on the outcome of Nemostars’ intended appeal.
