Pirlo out of Italy football top job after backlash over Russian betting firm links
Summary
Andrea Pirlo has said he is no longer a candidate to become the head coach of Italy's national football team after controversy over his connection to a Russian betting company called Fonbet. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) had not officially confirmed his appointment, but political criticism grew because of Pirlo’s past role as a global ambassador for the company, which is linked to pro-Kremlin events.Key Facts
- Andrea Pirlo was expected to become Italy’s next national football team coach but withdrew from consideration after a backlash.
- The controversy centers on Pirlo’s role as a global ambassador for Russian betting firm Fonbet since October 2023.
- Fonbet has sponsored sports events connected to Russia’s war in Ukraine and involved pro-Kremlin figures.
- Italian politicians criticized the FIGC for considering Pirlo due to his ties to Russia after the war began.
- Pirlo stated his work with Fonbet was commercial and sporting only, not political.
- The Russian ambassador in Italy supported Pirlo, noting his positive contributions to sport.
- The Italian football community is undergoing changes after Italy failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
- Other coaches being considered for the job include Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini.
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