Andrea Pirlo has withdrawn his candidacy for Italy’s head coach after backlash over his role as global ambassador for the Russian betting firm Fonbet. The appointment was still unconfirmed by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) but was treated as nearly certain. Over the weekend, several Italian politicians criticised FIGC’s choice, noting that Pirlo, 47, had taken the ambassador role in October. Fonbet sponsors events involving veterans of Moscow’s war in Ukraine and has staged shows where Pirlo appeared with pro‑Kremlin figures. “Anyone who is or has been promoting Russia after 2022 should not hold national office,” said Carlo Calenda of the Azione party. Pirlo replied on Instagram that any collaboration with United FC in Dubai was purely commercial and sporting, and that political interpretations were unfounded.

Pina Picierno, a vice‑president of the European Parliament, called for a “cultural, ethical and managerial revolution” in Italian football, while the Russian ambassador in Rome, Aleksey Paramonov, criticised the ostracisation of Pirlo. The controversy now threatens the tenure of FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini, who was appointed on 11 July and may resign if the situation escalates. Other potential candidates include Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini, who led Italy to Euro 2020 glory before stepping down to coach Saudi Arabia.