Andrea Pirlo Out of Italy Job Over Fonbet Deal

Andrea Pirlo, a renowned Italian football figure, has reportedly been ruled out of the running for the Italy national team coaching position. This development comes amidst concerns over his ties to a Russian betting firm, according to sources.

The issue at hand is a sponsorship deal between Pirlo and Fonbet, a Russian betting company. This association has raised eyebrows, particularly given the current political landscape, and has led to Pirlo being deemed unsuitable for the role, reportedly.

Italy has been seeking a new coach, and Pirlo was initially considered a strong candidate due to his football pedigree and experience. However, the controversy surrounding his sponsorship deal has ultimately led to his exclusion from the list of potential candidates, sources say.

The decision to exclude Pirlo from contention is believed to be a result of the Italian football federation's effort to distance itself from any potential political fallout. The federation is likely to prioritize candidates without such contentious associations, ensuring the team's focus remains on the sport rather than off-field distractions.

Pirlo's removal from the coaching candidate list has significant implications for the future of Italy's national team. As the search for a new coach continues, the Italian football federation will need to carefully consider the backgrounds and associations of potential candidates to avoid similar controversies, reportedly.

Source: www.espn.com