FIGC presidency candidate Carlo Tavecchio has defended himself after making some racist remarks during a recent press conference.
The 71-year-old made comparisons with Italy and England on how non-EU players are permitted into their leagues and he remarked on Friday, “Here arrives ‘Opti Poba’, who first ate bananas and now starts to play for Lazio.”
Despite the comments that he made, he still tried to defend himself by saying that he was not a racist and that he actually favours racial tolerance.
“I accept all the criticism but not the accusations of racism,” Tavecchio told Sky Sport Italia.
“My life testifies that I am not racist and I am ready to make new anti-discrimination policies. I am in favour of integration.”
Tavecchio is battling it out with former AC Milan and Italy midfielder Demetrio Albertini for the FIGC presidency and the election will be taking place on August 11.
Follow Vito Doria on Twitter: @VitoCDoria
