Russian betting firm deal threatens Andrea Pirlo's Italy coaching appointment

Andrea Pirlo's potential appointment as the new coach of the Italian national football team faces an unexpected hurdle due to his ties with a Russian betting company, Fonbet. This association has ignited a political and ethical debate, threatening to derail the agreement for the former World Cup winner to lead the "Azzurri."

Pirlo had reportedly agreed to a four-year contract worth approximately 1.5 million euros per season, with additional bonuses. His project was envisioned to last until the 2030 World Cup. However, before finalizing the deal with the Italian Football Federation, Pirlo must terminate his contract with the Dubai-based second-division club United FC. A more significant complication arises from his ambassadorship for Fonbet, a company with business ties to United FC's president, Sergey Lomakin. Pirlo even participated in a company promotional event in Moscow in late May.

“

people connected with Russian propaganda after 2022 should not hold state or national positions.

The controversy intensified due to Russia's aggression in Ukraine, drawing sharp criticism from segments of the Italian political landscape. While Pirlo's collaboration with Fonbet is not illegal, as betting activities are not subject to EU sanctions, Italian media emphasize the incompatibility of a national team coach actively promoting a betting firm. Critics, including Carlo Calenda, president of the Azione party, argue that individuals linked to "Russian propaganda" should not hold national positions. Similar sentiments were echoed by European Parliament Vice-President Pina Picierno and politician Benedetto Della Vedova, who demanded Pirlo sever ties with Fonbet.

Amidst public pressure, there are speculations that the Federation president, Giovanni Malagò, is re-evaluating the appointment. Major newspapers like Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica, and Gazzetta dello Sport report that Pirlo's involvement with the Russian company could cost him the coaching job. Pirlo's legal team maintains there are no legal obstacles, and Gazzetta dello Sport reports that his contract with Fonbet includes a clause for immediate termination without compensation. If the deal collapses, former coaches Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini are considered the leading candidates to take over.

“

the function of national team coach is not compatible with active advertising cooperation with a betting company.