Andriy Shevchenko has issued a sharp criticism of his former AC Milan teammate Andrea Pirlo regarding the Italian’s commercial deal with Fonbet, a Russian betting company embroiled in controversy surrounding his potential appointment as head coach of the Italy team.
According to SportMediaset, the president of the Ukraine Football Federation and 2004 Ballon d’Or winner didn’t shy away from directing his criticism not only at Pirlo, but also at fellow Italian legends Francesco Totti and Marco Materazzi, who have both engaged in events and partnerships with Russian enterprises in the past.
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Shevchenko shared that he had brought up his concerns directly with the players involved.
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – MAY 18: Andrea Pirlo, then head coach of Juventus, talks to the media at a press conference ahead of the TIMVISION Cup Final between Atalanta BC and Juventus on May 18, 2021, in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images for Lega Serie A)
Shevchenko Criticizes Pirlo, Totti, and Materazzi for Associations with Russia
“I have spoken directly to many of them and clearly communicated my disapproval along with Ukraine’s stance,” the former striker stated. “I condemn their actions. While people comprehend the situation, they chose to proceed anyway.”
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Shevchenko emphasized that this incident has strained relationships he once cherished: “I conveyed my disappointment, and they are aware of it. They will have to deal with the consequences of their choices. For the time being, everything is in limbo. It has hurt me personally.”
This intervention comes at a critical moment for Pirlo, who is seen as a leading candidate to manage the Azzurri but faces increasing scrutiny due to his role as a global ambassador for Fonbet.
The controversies surrounding the Moscow-based bookmaker have transformed a routine appointment into a focal point of political debate, with tensions further exacerbated by Pirlo’s recent participation at a company event in the Russian capital.
The relationship between Russia and Ukraine has been severely strained since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Shevchenko, a national icon and now a prominent voice in Ukrainian sports since taking the helm of the federation, carries significant influence in addressing this situation.
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Shevchenko’s criticism, coming from someone who once shared a dressing room with Pirlo, highlights the personal impact of the issue at hand. As Italy’s federation deliberates over the way forward, the pressure on Pirlo continues to mount.