Pirlo bows out of Italy coaching bid after Russian betting firm backlash

Thu Sep 24 2026 01:56:32 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Former midfielder Andrea Pirlo withdraws his claim for Italy head coach after controversy over his ties to Russian betting firm Fonbet.

Andrea Pirlo had been widely tipped as Italy’s next head coach, but the revelation of his role as global ambassador for Russia’s betting company Fonbet sparked criticism from politicians and football officials. In an Instagram statement, Pirlo confirmed he was no longer a candidate and denied that his commercial work carries political implications. The controversy risks destabilising the newly appointed FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini and could force a last‑minute search for a new coach as Italy struggles to return to the World Cup stage.

Andrea Pirlo has withdrawn his claim to the Italy national team head coach position after a week of backlash over his ties to Russian betting firm Fonbet. He had not yet been officially confirmed by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), but the appointment was being treated as almost certain.

Political backlash emerged after the revelation that Pirlo, 47, had accepted a role as global ambassador for Fonbet last October. The betting company has long sponsored sporting events linked to Moscow’s war in Ukraine and hosted gatherings where Pirlo appeared alongside pro‑Kremlin figures. “Anyone who is or has been promoting Russia after 2022 should not hold national office,” warned Carlo Calenda of the centrist Azione party.

In an Instagram post following the criticism, Pirlo explained that his “professional collaboration” as coach of United FC in Dubai was purely commercial and sporting, with no political dimension. He added that it was misleading to attribute a political meaning to his activities.

Highlights of the controversy include a 2022 Fonbet event at Luzhniki Stadium that saw Pirlo and former teammate Marco Materazzi sign autographs. The event also featured Russian pop star Shaman and Russian footballer Artem Dzyuba, who declared pride in being Russian despite the war in Ukraine.

Senior European Parliament vice‑president Pina Picierno called for a cultural, ethical and managerial revolution in Italian football, criticizing the choice of Pirlo. Meanwhile, Russian ambassador Aleksey Paramonov expressed sadness that Pirlo was being ostracised in his home country.

This turbulence threatens to impact the new FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini, who appointed Pirlo and could be forced to resign. Maldini and adviser Leonardo were tasked with finding a new head coach ahead of Italy’s Nations League campaign, an essential step before the Euro 2028 qualifiers.

Previously, Italy’s coaching appointments led to Gennaro Gattuso’s resignation after missing the World Cup 2026, while names such as Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti, Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini were considered as potential successors.