Pirlo is no longer a candidate for the position of head coach of the Italian national team
Andrea Pirlo has stated that he is no longer a candidate for the position of head coach of the Italian national soccer team following criticism over his ties to the Russian betting company Fonbet. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) had not officially confirmed the 47-year-old’s appointment, but he was considered the most likely candidate, according to BBC News.
Italian politicians have criticized Pirlo’s potential appointment, pointing out that he became a global ambassador for Fonbet last October. The company has sponsored sporting events featuring veterans of Russia’s war against Ukraine and organized events in Russia where Pirlo appeared alongside figures who support the Kremlin.
On Monday, Pirlo wrote on Instagram that he had learned he was no longer a candidate for the position of national team coach. He stated that his professional collaboration as coach of the Dubai-based club Dubai United was purely commercial and sporting in nature, and that attributing political significance to it imputes views to him that he has not expressed.
For more breaking news, follow the UA.News Telegram channel.
Attention to Pirlo’s ties with Fonbet intensified in the spring when he participated in a company event at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium. There, the former soccer player signed autographs alongside Marco Materazzi. The event also featured a performance by the singer Shaman, who has repeatedly voiced support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych pointed out that the event took place on the day of a large-scale Russian attack on Ukraine and criticized Pirlo for appearing alongside Russian soccer player Artem Dzyuba.
According to Sky Sport Italia, FIGC Technical Director Paolo Maldini and his advisor Leonardo have decided to resign. Maldini was appointed to the position a little over two weeks ago. He and Leonardo were tasked with finding a new coach and rebuilding the team after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time. Previously, the federation had unsuccessfully approached Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti, while Italian media had named Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini among other candidates.
