Pirlo Steps Down from Italy Position Following Criticism Over Links to Russian Sports Betting Company |

Renowned Italian soccer icon Andrea Pirlo has officially withdrawn from the race to become the head coach of Italy’s national team amid rising concerns regarding his affiliations with the Russian betting firm Fonbet.

Andrea Pirlo, Fonbet, Italy national team, Paolo Maldini, Russian betting company, FIGC — Soccer legend Andrea Pirlo serves as a “global ambassador” for the Russian betting giant Fonbet, a role he stated is devoid of political implications while stepping back from the Italy coaching position. (Image: Getty)

Pirlo’s decision to withdraw has led to the resignations of Italian football legend Paolo Maldini, who served as the technical director of the Italian Football Federation, along with his advisor, Brazil World Cup winner Leonardo, both of whom had supported Pirlo for the coaching position.

Italian Soccer’s Unrest

Once viewed as the top candidate to succeed Gennaro Gattuso—who departed in April following Italy’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup—Pirlo’s candidacy has been clouded by controversy.

Criticism arose from various Italian politicians regarding Pirlo’s ties to Fonbet. The former Juventus and AC Milan star accepted the role of “global ambassador” for the company last October, which has included appearances at events in Moscow alongside individuals described as “pro-Kremlin figures,” according to the BBC.

“Those who promote Russia post-2022 should not hold any national position,” Carlo Calenda, a member of the centrist Azione party, expressed to Italian media.

Established in 1994 by chess grandmaster Anatoly Machulsky, Fonbet, based in Moscow, is recognized as Russia’s largest sportsbook in terms of clientele, boasting over 1,000 retail betting outlets and a significant online presence.

Pirlo faced scrutiny last year for attending a Moscow event that also featured nationalist pro-Kremlin singer Shaman, an outspoken advocate of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, who has been sanctioned by the EU.

‘A Deep Regret’

In an Instagram update on July 28, Pirlo expressed sorrow that a sporting matter had been embroiled in a public discourse that misconstrued his motives and intentions.

“In the last few days, I have observed with great sorrow the discussions surrounding my name and the potential chance to lead the Italian national team,” he noted, adding that his agreement with Fonbet stemmed from his tenure in the UAE, where he coached Dubai United, and was purely “commercial and sporting in nature.”

Following Pirlo’s withdrawal, Roberto Mancini, who led the Azzurri from 2018 to 2023 and secured the European Championship title in 2021, is now seen as the frontrunner for the coaching position.

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