GENEVA – FIFA on Monday called for an
investigation into alleged racist comments
made by the front runner in the race for the
top job in Italian football.
The racism row involves Italian FA vice-
president Carlo Tavecchio, who last Friday
provoked controversy when discussing Italy’s
overseas players
“Media reports concerning alleged racist
comments by one of the presidential
candidates for the Italian FA have alerted
FIFA’s Task Force against racism and
discrimination,” world football’s governing
body announced.
“FIFA has written a letter to the Italian FA
asking it to take the appropriate steps to
investigate and decide on this matter and
report to FIFA.”
Tevecchio caused controversy in comments he
made at his election launch last Friday.
“…Opti Poba, who previously ate bananas and
then suddenly becomes a first-team player at
Lazio,” the 71-year-old said, in reference to
Paul Pogba, the France international who
plays for Juventus.
Tavecchio apologised afterwards but stressed
he was not a racist.
“I accept every criticism but not the
accusation of racism because my whole life
bears witness to the contrary.”
France celebrates after scoring a goal against
Nigeria at Brazil 2014.
The Italian FA were reminded that “the fight
against racism is a top priority for FIFA” and
that they were obliged to do everything
possible to stamp out racism.
“In its correspondence, FIFA also stressed that
officials of the football community are
expected to act as role models in the fight
against racism,” the statement on FIFA’s
official website concluded.
The overseas contingent in Serie A has
become topical since Italy crashed out of the
World Cup in the first round.
This is by no means the first time Italian
football has become embroiled in racism.
In May, Serie A side Atalanta were fined by
FIFA after bananas were thrown at AC Milan
defender Kevin Constant.
After the World Cup Mario Balotelli hit out at
what he termed his “racist” detractors after
being blamed for the Azzurri’s premature exit.
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