Italy faces backlash over Pirlo Russia betting ties
PUBLISHED Jul 26, 2026, 11:29 AM ET
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Italy’s plans to appoint Andrea Pirlo as national team coach are encountering resistance in Rome over his commercial ties to Russian betting company Fonbet. The 47-year-old World Cup winner, now coaching United FC in Dubai’s United Arab Emirates Pro League, had emerged as the front-runner to replace Gennaro Gattuso after former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reportedly declined the job. However, senior figures in the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and members of parliament are examining the implications of Pirlo’s role as a global ambassador for Fonbet, a Russian bookmaker, and the visibility of that partnership at a recent promotional event in Moscow. Italy’s scrutiny intensified after Pirlo appeared alongside former Italy teammate Marco Materazzi at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium in an event organised by Fonbet that coincided with aerial attacks on Ukraine, drawing criticism from commentators and politicians. Pirlo has defended his involvement, stating that his presence in Moscow was purely commercial and non-political. The dispute has complicated the start of Giovanni Malago’s presidency of the FIGC, coming just weeks after his election to oversee a restructuring of Italian football following the national team’s third consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup, and has overshadowed support for Pirlo from newly appointed FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini.
By Michael Grant | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- October 2023 Pirlo signs Fonbet ambassadorship deal
- Recent months Guardiola reportedly declines Italy role
- Recent weeks Malago elected FIGC president
- Recent weeks Italy confirms latest World Cup failure
- Earlier this year Pirlo attends Fonbet Moscow event
- Same period event coincides with Ukraine aerial attacks
- July 26 2026 FIGC reviews Pirlo Russia links
- Today Pirlo’s candidacy faces political resistance
News Intelligence
- If you're a soccer fan, this controversy could affect who leads Italy's national team. Pirlo's potential appointment is under scrutiny due to his ties with a Russian betting company. This could influence Italy's football restructuring plans. Keep an eye on FIGC's decision.
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