FIGC vice-chief Carlo Tavecchio in racism row after referring to African players as 'banana eaters'

With increasingly severe sanctions being doled out to Italian clubs whose supporters are found guilty of racist chanting, the vice-chief of the Italian Football Federation's (FIGC), Carlo Tavecchio, has been caught in a racism row for comments that he made regarding the influx of foreign players into Italy.

Following the Azzurri's group-stage exit at the World Cup, the subject of foreign footballers in Italy has been a hot topic. While speaking at the summer assembly of Italy's amateur leagues (LND), 71-year-old Tavecchio suggested that his country should replicate England's strict policies for non-EU players.

"In England, they identify the players coming in and, if they are professional, they are allowed to play," Tavecchio said.

"Here instead we get Opti Pobà, who previously ate bananas and then suddenly becomes a first-team player with Lazio. That's how it is here. In England, you need to demonstrate what you have on your CV and your pedigree."

When reporters subsequently questioned Tavecchio's comments, he claimed that he couldn't remember what he had said.

"I can't remember if I said the word 'banana' but I was referring to the CV and professionalism required by English football for players who come from Africa or other countries," Tavecchio said. "If anyone has interpreted my speech as offensive, I offer my apologies."

Italian politicians have been quick to criticize Tavecchio, with some, such as MP Davide Faraone of the centre-left Democratic party, saying that the vice-chief is no position to guide the FIGC given the federation's tough stance on racism.

Tavecchio is considered the favorite to become the next FIGC president following the resignation of former president Giancarlo Abete. However, former AC Milan and Italy midfielder Demetrio Albertini (the FIGC's other vice-chief) is also in the running and could benefit from Tavecchio's controversial remarks.