By Andrew Warshaw
August 26 – In a move that seems likely to cause considerable consternation, the Italian football federation (FIGC) has ruled that its new president Carlo Tavecchio has no case to answer over allegedly racist comments he made during the recent election campaign.
Tavecchio caused an outcry with his comments about a fictitious African player he named Opti Poba “eating bananas” 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 though FIFPro, the international players’ union, said the matter should not end there. FIFA called on the FIGC to carry out an investigation while UEFA set up their own inquiry. Ironically Tavecchio sits on UEFA’s youth and amateur football committee.
But the FIGC’s prosecutor panel has now decided that Tavecchio’s comments did not merit censure at home. “The federal prosecutor, having examined media reports, exhibits, video football and documentation received from the FIGC, from FIFA and UEFA, has decided to close the case,” said the FIGC in a statement.
“The phases spoken by (Tavecchio) during the general assembly (of the Amateur Leagues’ Association) on July 25 and in interviews to media outlets did not reveal any facts of disciplinary relevance against the new FIGC president Carlo Tavecchio.”
Coincidentally, Rome will host an anti-discrimination conference organised by UEFA and the FARE anti-discrimination European watchdog in September.
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