Archive · 27 Jul 2026
Pirlo Drops Out as Italy Coach Over Russian Sponsorship
Andrea Pirlo, a former Italian football player, was considered to be the new coach of the Italian national team.
However, he was removed from consideration because of his sponsorship deal with a Russian betting company called Fonbet.
Many people in Italy, including government officials, were upset because Italy supports Ukraine in its war with Russia, and they felt that Pirlo's deal with a Russian company was not appropriate.
Pirlo said that his deal with Fonbet was only about business and sports, not politics.
The Italian Football Federation is now looking for a new coach to help the team qualify for the 2030 World Cup.
Andrea Pirlo is no longer a candidate for Italy's head coach due to his sponsorship with Russian betting company Fonbet.
Critics argue that Pirlo's deal with Fonbet undermines Italy's support for Ukraine in the war with Russia.
Pirlo defends his involvement, stating it is purely commercial and not political.
The Italian Football Federation is seeking a new coach to lead the national team's qualification bid for the 2030 World Cup.
Paolo Maldini, the FIGC technical director, is responsible for identifying the next national team coach.
- Who
- Andrea Pirlo, Italian Football Federation (FIGC), Italian lawmakers
- What
- Pirlo's removal from consideration for Italy's head coach due to sponsorship with Fonbet
- When
- Recent weeks, with the decision finalized in the past few days
- Where
- Italy, with implications related to Russia and Ukraine
- Why
- Controversy over Pirlo's commercial ties to a Russian betting company amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine
Critics of Pirlo's Sponsorship
Pirlo's Defense
Political Implications
Critics of Pirlo's Sponsorship
Critics argue that Pirlo's association with Fonbet undermines Italy's support for Ukraine in the war with Russia.
Pirlo's Defense
Pirlo maintains that his collaboration with Fonbet is purely commercial and sporting, not political.
National Team Representation
Critics of Pirlo's Sponsorship
Critics believe the national team coach should align with Italy's political stance on the Ukraine war.
Pirlo's Defense
Pirlo asserts that his love for Italy is independent of his professional contracts and remains a core part of his identity.
- Candidate
- Andrea Pirlo
- Position
- Italy National Team Head Coach
- Controversy
- Sponsorship with Russian betting company Fonbet
- Current Team
- United FC (Dubai)
- FIGC Technical Director
- Paolo Maldini
- Next Major Tournament
- 2030 World Cup
Sources
Andrea Pirlo's Italy coach bid ends amid Russian betting company controversy
Andrea Pirlo out of contention for Italy job amid flap over deal with Russian betting firm - Telegraph India
Andrea Pirlo Won't Be Named Italy Coach Due To Sponsorship Deal With Russian Betting Firm