Contract with Russian Betting Provider: Pirlo Denies Allegations

Andrea Pirlo was actually considered the favourite for the Italy national team coaching position after Pep Guardiola's rejection. However, the whole thing is proving difficult.

The football legend has a contract with the Russian betting provider "fonbet" and serves as an advertising face there. >>>

Due to the war of aggression against Ukraine, Italy does not maintain good relations with Russia. Accordingly, the issue is increasingly becoming a political debate.

According to reports, the president of the FIGC football association, Giovanni Malago, is having Pirlo's contracts with the betting provider reviewed.

Pirlo Writes After Salzburg Match

Pirlo, meanwhile, continues to work for his club United FC (United Arab Emirates) and achieved a 1-1 draw in a secret test match against FC Red Bull Salzburg. >>>

After the match, the Italian commented on "Instagram" regarding the debate surrounding his person. "In recent days, I have followed 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."

"Out of respect for the institutions, the federation, and all individuals involved, I have chosen to remain silent until now. However, I consider it my duty to clarify some aspects," Pirlo writes.

According to Pirlo, No Political Significance

The former Juventus coach clarifies: "Throughout my career, first as a footballer and now as a coach, I have always carried out my activities in full compliance with the laws of the countries in which I worked, as well as the contracts I signed."

"The professional collaboration that is the subject of recent controversies arose in the context of my professional activities in the United Arab Emirates and is exclusively commercial and sporting in nature. To attribute political significance to this collaboration means to impute beliefs to me that I have never expressed and that are foreign to me."

The 47-year-old is likely still hoping for the job with the "Squadra Azzurra". However, according to a latest report by the "Gazzetta dello Sport", an appointment is becoming increasingly unlikely.

According to this, Pirlo has an independent contract with "fonbet", and Malago is accordingly speaking out against him.

Will Maldini Resign?

The new Technical Director, Paolo Maldini, is actually responsible for appointing the coach in Italy, and the Milan legend was assured full backing for this. He speaks out in favour of Pirlo.

A veto by Malago in this case could, it is said, prompt the former defender to withdraw. The federation president wants to dissuade him from this in a personal conversation.

Ideally, Maldini should continue to search for the new head coach.