Andrea Pirlo faces new threats from the Codacons (Italian consumer protection agency), who warn they will take legal action to block him becoming Italy coach over his Russian gambling ties.
Over the course of 48 hours, Pirlo has gone from practically taking the Azzurri job to being lambasted from every angle for his ill-advised sponsorship agreements.
Specifically, he is a global ambassador for Fonbet, a bookmaker whose Russian ownership is subject to certain sanctions in Italy.
If FIGC President Giovanni Malagò is stalling the announcement, then the Italian consumer protection agency is trying to force his hand by blocking the appointment completely.
"The Codacons will present a formal request to the Communications Authority tomorrow asking to open an investigation into Andrea Pirlo in light of the violation of the rules prohibiting sponsorship for gambling," read the statement.
"Not just that, because if the FIGC names him coach of the Nazionale, an immediate appeal will be lodged to the Lazio TAR tribunal to block this nomination."
Italy has strict rules on the advertising of certain types of gambling sites, which has also seen Lazio's sponsors Polymarket banned.
"As is well known, Pirlo is an ambassador for a Russian betting site, also making content in Italy via his social media channels and other activities as a former player, advertising gambling in full violation of Article 9 of the Dignity Decree, which bans any form of advertising, sponsorship or promotion of gambling with cash winnings.
"If the Communications Authority accepts the Codacons challenge, then Andrea Pirlo will be fined 20 per cent of the value of his sponsorship."
The gambling site sponsorship issue is made considerably worse by the fact it is a Russian company, which therefore is subject to extra sanctions, especially as Pirlo participated in a recent company event in Moscow.
Pirlo is by no means the only Italy player from the 2006 World Cup winning squad who has brand ambassador deals with Russian companies, as Francesco Totti and Marco Materazzi also participated in events.
