UEFA on Wednesday opened a probe
into an alleged racist slur by new Italian Soccer Federation
(FIGC) President Carlo Tavecchio, who said there were some
'banana-eating' players in Serie A.
Tavecchio made the alleged remark, for which he has
apologised, during his campaign to replace Giancarlo Abete as
FIGC chief.
There were calls for him to be disqualified because of it
and former integration minister Cecile Kyenge condemned the
alleged remark.
In response to the probe news, Tavecchio said he would
explain "my mistake and my real intentions" to UEFA, saying
he was "serene and respectful of UEFA's decision".
Tavecchio said the FIGC had been expecting the probe as a
"due act".
"I am certain I will be able to explain, also in the UEFA
forum, both my mistake and my real intentions."
Italian soccer has had historic problems with racism and
players including Italy star Mario Balotelli have faced monkey
chants and thrown bananas.
Starting his new job Monday, Tavecchio said he had
apologised for what he described as a "gaffe" and had been
instrumental in letting thousands of extra-EU players into the
Italian game at all levels.
Seeking to calm the row, on August 13, Tavecchio named
black retired Italian Olympic medalist and former long jump
world champion Fiona May as his anti-racism advisor.
She will advise Tavecchio on integration in sport and come
up with anti-discrimination campaigns aimed at schools and
youth.
The British-born athlete competed in the long jump, winning
two World Championships and two Olympic silver medals.
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