Pirlo no longer candidate for Italy head coach role after betting firm links backlash
Pirlo’s Candidacy Withdrawn
Andrea Pirlo has announced he is no longer being considered for the role of head coach for the Italian national team. This decision follows a period of controversy surrounding his commercial ties to a Russian betting company.
Pirlo, a former midfielder for Internazionale, Juventus, AC Milan, and the Azzurri, stated on Monday that he learned the previous night he was no longer a candidate. He expressed bitterness over the debate that developed around his name and the possibility of taking on the coaching role.
His appointment as Italy’s next head coach had been widely anticipated, though not officially confirmed by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). However, objections arose from Italian politicians and some FIGC officials due to his role as a global ambassador for Russia’s Fonbet.
Pirlo, who is currently managing UAE Pro League club United FC in Dubai, signed an ambassadorial agreement with Fonbet in October. He defended his involvement, stating that his collaboration was exclusively commercial and sporting in nature, and that attributing a political meaning to it assigns beliefs he has never expressed.
The betting company has sponsored various sporting events, including some involving veterans of Moscow’s conflict in Ukraine. Pirlo appeared at events in Russia alongside figures described as pro-Kremlin, which drew criticism.
Political and Ethical Concerns
Several Italian politicians voiced strong criticism of the FIGC’s potential choice. Carlo Calenda of the centrist Azione party stated that anyone promoting Russia after 2022 should not hold national office. Pina Picierno, a vice-president of the European Parliament, suggested that the choice of Pirlo went against the cultural, ethical, and managerial revolution she believed Italian football desperately needed.
Scrutiny of Pirlo’s connections to Fonbet intensified last spring after he participated in an event in Moscow. At this event, held at Luzhniki Stadium, he and former teammate Marco Materazzi signed autographs. Pro-Kremlin pop star Shaman also performed at the event.
Ukrainian skeleton slider Vladyslav Heraskevych criticized Pirlo for appearing at the Luzhniki event, noting it occurred on the same day as a significant Russian attack on Ukraine. Heraskevych also highlighted Pirlo’s appearance alongside Russian footballer Artem Dzyuba, who had expressed pride in being Russian on social media following the conflict in Ukraine.
In contrast, Aleksey Paramonov, the Russian ambassador in Rome, offered support to Pirlo, expressing sadness that he was being ostracized in his own country despite his contributions to sport.
Search for a New Coach Continues
The FIGC’s search for a new head coach continues following the withdrawal of Pirlo’s candidacy. This development follows a period of significant change within Italian football after the national team failed to qualify for a third World Cup earlier this year.
The team’s loss on penalties to Bosnia-Herzegovina in April led to coach Gennaro Gattuso stepping down and a reshuffle within the FIGC. Paolo Maldini, the new FIGC technical director, and his advisor Leonardo, were tasked with finding a new head coach to guide Italy through an upcoming Nations League group that includes France, Belgium, and Turkey, and to attempt qualification for Euro 2028.
Before Pirlo emerged as a leading candidate, both Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti were approached for the position. Guardiola reportedly declined the offer for personal reasons, despite the FIGC’s willingness to make exceptional budget adjustments for him and a comprehensive ‘Azzurro project’ proposal.
Ancelotti was also contacted but has a contract with the Brazil national team. According to Italian media, other names now being considered for the coaching role include Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini, who previously led Italy to Euro 2020 victory.
The debate surrounding Pirlo’s failed appointment now risks impacting Paolo Maldini, who has been in his technical director role since 11 July, with Italian media suggesting he may resign.
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Source: bbc.com
