Italian football legend Andrea Pirlo is no longer being considered for the national team coaching position.
Pirlo had emerged as a leading candidate to replace Gennaro Gattuso after Pep Guardiola reportedly rejected the job.
However, the former Juventus and AC Milan midfielder faced criticism because of his commercial relationship with Russian betting company Fonbet.
The controversy increased after Pirlo attended an event organised by the company in Moscow.
Pirlo defended the partnership, saying it was strictly commercial and sporting and did not represent his political views.
The 2006 World Cup winner later confirmed that he had been informed that he was no longer a candidate for the Italy job.
The Italian Football Federation must now continue searching for a coach to rebuild the national team.
