One of the legends of Italian volleyball and current general director of Modena, Andrea Sartoretti, received a disciplinary penalty for his behavior towards the referees during the home match against Verona in the third round of the Italian SuperLega. In addition to the club official's suspension, Modena will also have to pay a fine of 1000 euros.
The decision was made by the National Sports Judge of the Italian Volleyball Federation (FIPAV), Sebastiano Guarnaschelli, and was published in official bulletin No. 4 on November 2, 2026.
According to the document, Sartoretti is suspended from all activities under the federation's auspices for the period from November 3 to November 9, inclusive.
The reason is his behavior during the match, which Modena won 3:1 (22:25, 25:16, 25:16, 28:26).
Although not listed in the official match protocol, Sartoretti stood in the control zone immediately next to the Video Check system. During the first set, he protested against the decisions of the first referee. The tension continued during the break between the first and second sets, when the club official entered the playing field in an attempt to argue with the second referee. Due to his actions, Modena was sanctioned with a fine of 1000 euros.
Who is Andrea Sartoretti?
The 55-year-old Andrea Sartoretti is far from an ordinary person in Italian volleyball. The former opposite hitter is a world champion from 1998, a two-time European champion (1999 and 2003), and a three-time Olympic medalist.
His collection includes two Olympic silver medals - from Atlanta 1996 and Athens 2004, as well as a bronze from Sydney 2000.
Sartoretti is part of the famous Italian "generation of phenomena" that dominated the international scene in the 90s. During his playing career, he established himself as one of the most prolific opposite hitters in the world, known for his powerful serve. After the end of his career, he moved into coaching and management, and since 2013, he has been part of Modena's management.
Warning due to the referees' communication system
The disciplinary decision is not limited to Sartoretti's penalty. Modena also received an official warning due to a faulty communication system provided to the referees for confidential communication among themselves.
Similar warnings have been issued to two other clubs.
Cuneo was sanctioned with a warning because it did not provide the necessary communication system at all, while Prata di Pordenone had a malfunction in its equipment.
All decisions were published in the official disciplinary bulletin of the Italian Volleyball Federation on November 2, 2026.
photo:sport.quotidiano.net
