Andrea Pirlo Faced With Backlash over Partnership with Russian Betting Company

The highly acclaimed Andrea Pirlo has recently become infamous for signing a partnership contract with a sports betting company based in Russia called Fonbet.

A photo uploaded on Pirlo’s Instagram showing him wearing a Fonbet jacket has sparked controversy.

Across Europe, multiple media outlets have reacted negatively to this news, which has been attributed to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

No information regarding the money has been revealed as of this moment.

According to the contract, Pirlo now has to take part in promotional events in Russia.

Fonbet, one of Russia’s biggest operators, was founded in 1994.

From Fame to Infamy

Pirlo has undoubtedly earned his spot as one of his generation’s best midfielders.

The former midfielder had been with Italy and AC Milan until his retirement in 2017.

While in AC Milan, he had won a FIFA World Cup as well as two UEFA Champions Leagues.

Pirlo became a coach for Juventus after his retirement.

He had been the coach for the second-tier club Dubai United before he signed with Fonbet

The Polish sports outlet Weszlo comments on the situation:

“The Italian decided that Russian money wouldn’t hurt.”

Other media outlets from countries like Ukraine had similar things to say on the matter.

Not The First

Before Pirlo, many other football stars had signed deals similar to his and had been met with significant negative backlash.

One of the more popular international football players to sign a partnership contract with a Russian betting brand has been the Brazilian Ronaldinho.

His deal was signed earlier this year and has since received significant backlash.

Another Italian player who has signed with a Russian brand is the former Italy captain Francesco Totti.

Since he signed his contract shortly after the beginning of the war, Totti has received high criticism from Italy.

Totti has said that, concerning the deal at the time, he “did not see anything wrong”.