August 20 – Carlo Tavecchio (pictured) may have thought he had escaped censure after becoming the new head of the Italian FA despite his much-publicised racist comments about African footballers but UEFA have taken the unusual step of setting up an inquiry.
Taveccio referred to “banana eaters” during a prepared speech to Italy’s amateur leagues when he complained about a lack of opportunities for home-grown players at professional clubs. Despite his comments drawing widespread condemnation, he still managed to clinch the FIGC presidency thought FIFPro, the international players’ union, said the matter should not end there.
The organisation also called on Tavecchio to attend a UEFA-organised anti-discrimination conference in Rome in September and make a public apology.
But UEFA have pre-empted that by opening their own investigation.
“Following a request of information made by UEFA on 28 July 2014, Mr Carlo Tavecchio, President of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), has today been personally informed by UEFA about the decision of its Chief Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to open a disciplinary investigation on alleged racist comments made by him during his FIGC presidential election campaign,” a statement said.
“Once the report has been completed, the UEFA Chief Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will submit its conclusions to the Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body to render a decision about this matter.”
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