Andrea Pirlo has confirmed he is no longer in line to coach Italy, after concerns were raised in Italy over his role as an ambassador for Russian betting firm Fonbet. The former Azzurri midfielder said on Monday that he had learned the previous night that he was no longer a candidate for the national team job.
Several Italian politicians had objected to Pirlo’s connection with Fonbet, arguing that the national team coach should not hold views that conflict with Italy’s support for Ukraine in the war with Russia. Pirlo has said the deal was tied to his work in the United Arab Emirates and was “exclusively for commercial and sports purposes”.
What did Pirlo say about the Fonbet deal?
Pirlo said he had never attached any political meaning to the agreement and rejected claims that it reflected his personal views. Writing on Instagram on Monday, he said he “heard last night that I’m no longer the candidate for the Italy national team job”.
“Attributing a political significance to that collaboration means attributing beliefs to me that I have never expressed and don’t belong to me.”
He also said the partnership was linked to his existing employment in the United Arab Emirates and was “exclusively for commercial and sports purposes”.
Why did the appointment draw political criticism?
The prospect of Pirlo taking over the Italy job created friction among politicians even though he had the backing of the newly-appointed Italian football federation technical director Paolo Maldini. Critics said the issue went beyond football because of Fonbet’s Russian ties and Italy’s stance on Ukraine.
“After yet another defeat and another missed World Cup qualification, Italian football desperately needed a cultural, ethical and managerial revolution. The choice of Andrea Pirlo goes in the exact opposite direction,”
Pina Picierno, a vice-president of the European Parliament, said on social media. Ignazio La Russa, the head of the Senate and a member of prime minister Giorgia Meloni’s party, also questioned the move.
“I am speaking only because you called me: God help us. Of course I am an Italy fan and Pirlo was a great champion, but as a coach, it is a leap in the dark.”
Carlo Calenda, leader of the Azione party, was more direct in his criticism.
“Anyone who is or has been promoting Russia after 2022 should not hold national office,”
he said.
How did Pirlo become the leading candidate?
The FIGC turned to Pirlo after in their search for a successor to Gennaro Gattuso, who left his post by mutual consent in April after Italy failed to qualify for a third World Cup in succession. Pirlo had been prepared to leave his current job as coach of Dubai United.
The former Italy coaches Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte are now back being discussed for the role.
Key Facts
- Andrea Pirlo said on Monday he was no longer a candidate for the Italy national team job.
- Concerns were raised in Italy over his role as an ambassador for Fonbet, a Russian betting firm.
- Pirlo said the deal was for “commercial and sports purposes” linked to his UAE job.
- Paolo Maldini had backed Pirlo for the Italy post.
- Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte are again being discussed for the role.
