Former Inter and Juventus midfielder Patrick Vieira announced that he is struggling to understand how Carlo Tavecchio could be elected as head of the FIGC.
The 71-year-old won with 63.33 per cent of votes cast on August 11 despite a series of gaffes during his campaign, most notably when he made a remark about players arriving from Africa eating bananas.
Vieira took to his official Twitter account to post a link to a short personal statement where he expressed his dismay at the news of Tavecchio’s victory:
“I’m finding it really hard to believe that Carlo Tavecchio has been elected as president of the Italian FA after the comments that he made,” said Vieira.
“For me, that shows how far away the Italian football authorities are from dealing with discrimination.
“63.63% of those that voted are admitting that they aren’t fighting against racism, or that they don’t want to fight these problems.
“I played in Italy for years so I know the issues, I saw the issues.”
The Manchester City reserves coach also expressed his belief that Tavecchio would never have stood a chance of being elected in England following his comments:
“If he was an English man making this kind of comment, politically, he would be completely out.”
“This decision was made in football, but I think it is bigger than football.
“It should make the whole country of Italy look at the message they want to send about what they think about racism.
“I can’t believe he will represent the Italian Football Authorities.
“What a shame.”
