Andrea Pirlo to Italy: United FC deny connection with FonBet in statement | OneFootball

The Italian national team finds itself in the middle of chaos once again, as Andrea Pirlo’s move to the Azzurri is being held up by his connection with Russian betting organisation FonBet.

While this has brought about many doubts about the ex-midfielder’s future as many at FIGC are now against his hiring, a denial of the connection has now arrived.

La Gazzetta dello Sport have a statement from the entourage of United FC president and owner Sergey Lomakin, who is said to have vested interests in FonBet, who have had Pirlo as their brand ambassador.

The statement said: “Mr. Lomakin has no interest in Fonbet. Furthermore, United FC Dubai, the football club where Andrea Pirlo is the coach, has no connection with Fonbet. The connection between Mr. Lomakin, United FC Dubai, and Fonbet does not exist.”

Therefore, the theory that the contract of the former midfielder, chosen by Maldini and Leonardo as the new coach, was involved in the promotional campaign for the Russian brand thanks to a clause in his coaching contract is also dismissed. Pirlo, who was also in Moscow in May to promote the brand, did so in a personal capacity, without direct involvement of the club he works for. 

Kaustubh Pandey – GIFN