Pirlo’s appointment under threat over links with Russian betting firm
The appointment of former AC Milan and Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo as the new head coach of the Italian national team is currently under threat following his links to a Russian betting company.
Reports reveal that the former national team player’s appointment will now be subject of internal talks at the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) today after his collaboration with Russian brand emerged.
FIGC President Giovanni Malagò has temporarily halted Pirlo’s near-finalized contract to investigate his commercial ambassador role with the Russian-capital betting company identified as Fonbet, whose operations are banned in Italy.
Paolo Maldini, the FIGC Director is however, backing Pirlo for the role despite the development and it is now it’s now all in the hands of president Giovanni Malagó to determine if the deal with former international will be sanctioned.
Pirlo has also issued a statement after his collaboration with Russian brand became key topic in Italy ahead of his verbal agreement as national team head coach.
He wrote; “In recent 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.
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“Out of respect for the institutions, the Federation, and all the people involved, I have so far chosen to remain silent. However, I believe it is necessary to clarify a few points.
“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 in which I have worked and with the contracts I have signed.
“The professional collaboration that has been the subject of the recent controversy arises within the context of my working experience in the United Arab Emirates and is exclusively commercial and sporting in nature.
“Attributing a political meaning to that collaboration means attributing to me beliefs that I have never expressed and that do not belong to me.
“I wish to thank Maldini and Leonardo for the esteem and trust they have shown me. I know their competence, their seriousness, and the love they have always dedicated to Italian football.
“I regret that a purely sporting choice was so quickly dragged into a public confrontation that ended up attributing to me meanings and intentions that do not belong to me.
“Love for Italy does not depend on a job title. It is part of my history, of my identity, and it will continue to accompany me, always.” His statement concluded.
