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FIFA has called on the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) to investigate claims that Carlo Tavecchio, the favourite to become Italy football’s next president, was said to have called African players “banana eaters”.
Tavecchio received widespread criticism for his remarks made during an assembly of Italy’s amateur league. He was suggesting that Italy should follow England’s requirements with regard to non-EU players.
“In England, they identify the players coming in and, if they are professional, they are allowed to playHere instead we get ‘ Opti Pobà ‘, who previously ate bananas and then suddenly becomes a first team player with Lazio,” said Tavecchio .
FIFA demands Tavecchio racism probe: Calls for amateur chief to drop bid to head federation http://t.co/n1vko1WpHm
— Ansa English News (@ansa_english) July 28, 2014
The 71-year-old later apologised for his comments saying he was sorry “if anyone interpreted his remark as offensive”.
He is the hot favourite to beat former AC Milan and Italy midfielder Demetrio Albertini to Italian football’s top job next month.