The Italian Football Federation has halted the appointment of Andrea Pirlo as head coach of the national team. The decision stems from a commercial agreement between the federation and the betting operator FONBET.
Commercial Constraints and Selection Process
The selection procedure required final verification of existing sponsorship commitments before confirming any managerial hire. FONBET maintains a primary partnership with the Italian federation, which includes specific contractual clauses regarding coaching staff appointments. These obligations created a direct conflict with the proposed terms for Pirlo’s role.Federation officials are now evaluating alternative candidates to lead the squad. The commercial department must align the new hiring with current broadcasting and sponsorship frameworks. A final announcement regarding the managerial position is expected in the coming weeks.