July 30 – CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb, who leads FIFA’s anti-discrimination body, has issued a further hard-hitting rebuke in response to comments made by Italian Football Federation (FIGC) vice-President Carlo Tavecchio who described African players as “banana-eaters”.
Tavecchio, 71, is favourite to succeed FIGC president Giancarlo Abete next month and made his untimely remarks whilst discussing foreign imports and their possible effect on Italy’s national team – eliminated at the group stage of the World Cup.
In a statement issued from CONCACAF headquarters in Miami, Webb, who has already written to the FIGC expressing his disquiet and calling for appropriate steps to be taken, said the football community was “appalled by the recent racist comments made by the Italian football federation vice-president, Mr Carlo Tavecchio, a year after FIFA member associations unanimously approved a resolution to fight against racism and discrimination.
“The FIGC and the football family at large deserve exemplary leadership capable of directing the industry in a transparent way for a dignified, diverse and inclusive society.
“As guiding voices within our communities, we strongly urge all football officials to speak and act in a responsible manner, adhering to the principle of respect that every human merits.”
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