Imoco Conegliano criticizes the Club World Cup in Brazil and calls the tournament a burden

Pietro Maschio, co-president of Imoco Conegliano, criticized the organization of Mundial of Clubes volleyball held in São Paulo at the end of 2025. The Italian leader made the statements shortly after the team’s defeat in Champions League. Imoco Conegliano did not guarantee a place for the 2026 edition.

Imoco Conegliano, which has Brazilian Gabi Guimarães as its main star, finished second in the competition held between December 9th and 14th at the Pacaembu gym.

Declarações of Maschio generate immediate repercussions

The co-president spoke to the Italian press on Sunday. Ele celebrated failing to qualify for next year’s Mundial. “It’s a good thing we’re not participating. It’s a burden,” he said. Maschio recognized the effort of Brazilians with a short organizational deadline.

The leader cited problems faced by the delegation. “We came home full of fleas. And there are even medical reports,” he said. Ele classified the court as shameful. Para Maschio, a club at the top cannot compete in a tournament organized in this way.

Imoco Conegliano finishes runner-up in Mundial 2025

Imoco Conegliano reached the final of the tournament in São Paulo. Gabi Guimarães acted as one of the team’s main references. The Italian club has accumulated recent titles in the Liga Italiana. The campaign in Mundial showed competitiveness, but ended in defeat in the decision.

Pacaembu received all matches. The competition brought together the top teams from Europa and América. The 2025 edition required effort from Brazilian organizers with limited preparation time.

• Imoco Conegliano competed in the final against a European rival
• Gabi Guimarães joined the main cast of the runner-up
• The tournament took place at the Pacaembu gym, at São Paulo
• The schedule was from December 9th to 14th, 2025
• Imoco Conegliano did not qualify for the 2026 edition

🎙️ Declaração dura de Pietro Maschio, co-presidente do Conegliano, sobre o Campeonato Mundial de Clubes no Brasil 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/hvJZdGdJ3L

— Elite do Vôlei (@_EliteDoVolei) May 4, 2026

Derrota in Champions prevents participation in 2026

Imoco Conegliano lost to Vakifbank Istambul in the Champions League semi-final. The result eliminated the club from contention for next year’s Mundial. Pietro Maschio gave an interview right after the game.

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The director shares the presidency with Piero Garbellotto. Ele highlighted the tiredness of the Italian delegation. Maschio pointed out the drop in the tournament’s technical level and media appeal in recent years.

Imoco Conegliano issues retraction note

Imoco Conegliano published an official statement on social media this Monday. The team apologized for the misunderstanding generated by Maschio’s statements. The text reinforced gratitude to Brasil for the warm welcome.

The note clarified that the outburst referred to the recent devaluation of the tournament. The club praised the organizers for putting together the event in difficult conditions. “We apologize to all Brazilian fans and lovers”, says the text.

Imoco Conegliano has restricted comments on some posts. The repercussion of the statements mobilized fans in Brasil. Gabi Guimarães remains the highlight of the Italian team.

Contexto’s Imoco Conegliano in season

Imoco Conegliano has dominated Liga Italiana for several seasons now. The presence of Gabi Guimarães strengthens the cast. The club accumulates national and continental achievements. This season’s Champions League campaign stopped at the semi-final.

Mundial of Clubes has gained relevance in recent cycles. European Clubes dominate recent decisions. The Brazilian edition of 2025 marked the return of the event on national soil after a few years.

Pacaembu’s gym received a large crowd. The organization involved federations and local public authorities. The short deadline for