August 15 – World players union FIFPro has questioned whether newly-elected Italian football federation (FIGC) president Carlo Tavecchio is suitable for the job following his racist comments about African players.
The organisation also called on Tavecchio, who was elected as FIGC president with 63% of the vote on Monday, to attend a UEFA-organised anti-discrimination conference in Rome in September and make a public apology.
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 but FIFPro says the matter should not end there.
“The comments attributed to Mr Tavecchio raise major concerns about his suitability to lead Italian football, one of the most important nations in world football,” FIFPro director Tony Higgins said in a statement.
“Mr Tavecchio will be expected to attend (the conference),” added Higgins. “His recent comments will be noted with great interest as the audience will largely come from people from all parts of Europe who are committed to fighting discrimination.
“Only an unqualified apology and a commitment to real action in Italy will satisfy the audience and the rest of world football.”
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