Andrea Pirlo Announces He's Ruled Out Of Italy Job Amid Russian Betting Sponsorship Scandal
Andrea Pirlo Announces He's Ruled Out Of Italy Job Amid Russian Betting Sponsorship Scandal Published By, Last Updated: July 27, 2026, 18:41 IST Andrea Pirlo
Andrea Pirlo Announces He's Ruled Out Of Italy Job Amid Russian Betting Sponsorship Scandal Published By, Last Updated: July 27, 2026, 18:41 IST Andrea Pirlo says he is no longer in contention to become Italy coach after criticism over his Fonbet sponsorship deal derailed his candidacy. Rapid Read Italy legend Andrea Pirlo (X/Getty Images) Andrea Pirlo has confirmed he is no longer in the running to become Italy’s next head coach, with growing controversy surrounding his commercial partnership with Russian bookmaker Fonbet appearing to end his chances of taking charge of the Azzurri. The 47-year-old, a World Cup winner with Italy in 2006, was widely regarded as a leading candidate for the role after reports suggested Pep Guardiola had declined the opportunity to succeed Gennaro Gattuso. However, Pirlo revealed on Monday that he had been informed his candidacy had come to an end. ‘I Am No Longer The Candidate’ In a statement posted on Instagram, Pirlo addressed the speculation for the first time and expressed disappointment over the debate surrounding his name.
“After learning last night that I am no longer the candidate to lead the Italian national team, I believe it is my duty to clarify a few points." The former Juventus and AC Milan midfielder said the criticism over his off-field activities had overshadowed his coaching credentials. “Over the past few days, I have watched with great bitterness the debate that has developed around my name and the possibility of taking on the role of Head Coach of the Italian national team." Pirlo also defended his professional conduct. “Throughout my career, first as a player and now as a coach, I have always carried out my work in full compliance with the laws of the countries where I have worked and with the contracts I have signed." Fonbet Partnership Sparks Criticism At the centre of the controversy is Pirlo’s ambassadorial agreement with Russian bookmaker Fonbet, signed in October while he was managing UAE Pro League side United FC in Dubai.
The arrangement reportedly drew objections from officials within the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) as well as criticism from Italian lawmakers. The backlash intensified after Pirlo appeared alongside former Italy teammate Marco Materazzi at an event organised by Fonbet at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium, amid the continuing war in Ukraine. Pirlo has consistently maintained that the agreement is purely commercial. “The Fonbet deal is exclusively for commercial and sports purposes. Attributing a political significance to that collaboration means attributing beliefs to me that I have never expressed and don’t belong to me." Italy’s Search Continues The FIGC must now continue its search for a new head coach as Italy attempts to rebuild after failing to qualify for the last three FIFA World Cups. Technical director Paolo Maldini, appointed earlier this month, has been tasked with identifying the man who will lead the four-time world champions into qualification for the 2030 tournament. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Siddarth Sriram After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas.
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