In brief
Andrea Pirlo, former star midfielder, had been seen as Italy's next head coach. The appointment was rescinded after controversy over his role with Russian betting firm Fonbet, linked to pro‑Kremlin events. Politicians and the European Parliament condemned the decision, citing political implications that should not influence national team selection. The fallout threatens to destabilise the federation's leadership and calls for a broader review of Italy’s football governance.
Italian football officials have rescinded a previously implied appointment of former midfielder Andrea Pirlo to lead the national team. The decision follows criticism from politicians and the European Parliament after the former player disclosed his role as global ambassador for Russia’s betting firm Fonbet in October last year.
The club’s involvement was highlighted when Fonbet sponsored events featuring veterans of Russia’s war in Ukraine and pro‑Kremlin personalities. FIGC officials stated that the commercial ties should not affect the selection of a national coach, insisting that political implications were separate from sporting competence.
The incident threatens to unsettle the newly appointed technical director Paolo Maldini and has prompted calls for a wide-scale review of Italy’s football leadership after a failure to qualify for the World Cup and a resignation of former coach Gennaro Gattuso. The debate remains alive as the federation canvasses other candidates ahead of the Nations League and Euro 2028 qualifiers.
