Archive · 26 Jul 2026
Pirlo's Italy Coaching Bid Faces Political Backlash
Andrea Pirlo, a former Italian footballer, is in trouble because he works for a Russian betting company called Fonbet.
Some people in Italy don't want him to be the coach of the Italian football team because of this.
They say it's not right to support a Russian company while Russia is at war with Ukraine.
Pirlo says his job is not political, but many politicians and football officials disagree.
This is making it hard for Pirlo to become the coach, and it's also causing problems for the new leader of the Italian Football Federation.
Andrea Pirlo's potential appointment as Italy's head coach is facing political backlash due to his ties with Russian betting company Fonbet.
Key figures in the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and Italian parliamentarians are evaluating the fallout from Pirlo's commercial ties to Russia.
Pirlo's appearance at a Fonbet event in Moscow, coinciding with aerial attacks on Ukraine, drew criticism despite his defence of non-political involvement.
Prominent Italian politicians, including a vice-president of the European Parliament and the head of the Senate, have voiced strong objections to Pirlo's appointment.
The controversy complicates the start of Giovanni Malago’s tenure as FIGC president, following Italy's third consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup.
- Who
- Andrea Pirlo, Italian Football Federation (FIGC), Italian parliamentarians, Pina Picierno, Ignazio La Russa, Carlo Calenda
- What
- Controversy over Andrea Pirlo's potential appointment as Italy's head coach due to his commercial ties to Russian betting company Fonbet.
- When
- The controversy arose after Pirlo's appearance at a Fonbet event in Moscow, coinciding with aerial attacks on Ukraine.
- Where
- Italy and Russia.
- Why
- Pirlo's association with a Russian betting company is seen as incompatible with leading the national team, especially given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Supporters of Pirlo's Appointment
Opponents of Pirlo's Appointment
Political and Ethical Considerations
Supporters of Pirlo's Appointment
Pirlo's supporters argue that his commercial ties to Russia should not disqualify him from coaching Italy, emphasizing his football credentials and experience.
Opponents of Pirlo's Appointment
Opponents believe that Pirlo's association with a Russian betting company is incompatible with leading the national team, especially given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
- Andrea Pirlo
- Former Italian footballer and current manager of United FC in Dubai.
- Fonbet
- Russian betting company for which Pirlo is a global ambassador.
- Italian Football Federation (FIGC)
- The governing body of football in Italy.
- Giovanni Malago
- Newly elected president of the FIGC.
- Pep Guardiola
- Former Manchester City manager who reportedly turned down the Italy coaching position.
- Marco Materazzi
- Former Italy teammate of Pirlo who appeared with him at a Fonbet event in Moscow.
- Pina Picierno
- Vice-president of the European Parliament who criticized Pirlo's appointment.
- Ignazio La Russa
- Head of the Senate and prominent Inter Milan fan who expressed doubts about Pirlo's appointment.
- Carlo Calenda
- Leader of the centrist Azione party who criticized Pirlo's ties to Russia.