The Italian Football Federation’s search for a new head coach might still be active following reports that their deal with football legend Andrea Pirlo has been put on ice due to controversy over his collaboration with a Russian betting company.
According to reports, the Federation, which was set to officially introduce Pirlo as the new head coach this week, paused that move following mounting political controversy around his ties to the gambling company Fonbet, following news of his global ambassadorship along with his recent visit to Moscow for a recent event as part of his promotional activities. A situation which has engulfed the political space as the advertising of gambling is illegal in Italy.
In response, the 2006 World Cup winner has expressed thanks for the consideration by the Federation and technical director, former teammate Paulo Maldini, noting that he had remained silent throughout the controversy out of respect for the institution.
“Over the last few days, I watched with great sadness the debate that developed around my name and the possibility of taking the job of coach of the Italy team. Out of respect for the institutions, the Federation and of all the people involved, I chose until now to maintain my silence. However, I feel it is only right that I clarify certain aspects.”
He continued :
“In the course of my career, first as a player and then as a coach, I always performed my duties within full respect of the laws of the countries I worked in, and the contracts that I signed. The professional collaboration that is the subject of recent controversy came about as part of my working experience in the United Arab Emirates and is exclusively of a commercial and sporting nature.
“Attributing political meaning to this collaboration means attributing convictions to me that I have never expressed and that I do not hold. I wish to thank Maldini and Leonardo for the respect and faith that they showed in me. I know their competence, their seriousness, and the love that they have always dedicated to Italian football.
“I regret that a sporting choice has been rapidly dragged into a public confrontation that ended up attributing meanings and intentions to me that simply do not belong. Love for Italy does not depend on a job. It is part of my history, my identity, and will continue to accompany me, always.”
