Demetrio Albertini has formalised his candidacy for FIGC President as the racism row drags on for Carlo Tavecchio.
Former Vice-President of the Federation Albertini registered the paperwork this afternoon for the election on August 11.
Demetrio Albertini has formalised his candidacy for FIGC President as the racism row drags on for Carlo Tavecchio.
Former Vice-President of the Federation Albertini registered the paperwork this afternoon for the election on August 11.
He has the backing of the Players’ Association (AIC) and the Coaches’ Association (AIAC).
However, it will be impossible for him to win as things stand, because Tavecchio has the support of the Lega Serie A, Lega Serie B, Lega Pro and LND (amateur league).
That could change, as 71-year-old Tavecchio is facing numerous calls to step down after making racist comments during his 90-minute presentation speech.
Talking off the cuff to the LND members, he used these words to describe the need for a work permit system for non-EU players.
“We say that any old Opti Pobà can come here, before he was eating bananas, now he’s playing in the Lazio first XI,” said Tavecchio on Friday.
So far only those already backing Albertini have called for Tavecchio to step down.
Sampdoria President Massimo Ferrero hinted he was considering his position, but the Presidents of the Lega Serie A, Serie B and Lega Pro all rushed to defend Tavecchio.
“It was an unfortunate joke, but without any racist connotations,” assured Lega Pro President Mario Macalli.
Lega Serie A President Maurizio Beretta added: “His life is a continual testimony of actions against every form of discrimination. A wrong turn of phrase does not change the judgement of Tavecchio as a person and a director.”
Lazio President Claudio Lotito, who was Tavecchio’s firmest backer from the beginning, accused the media of “exasperating the situation by blowing it up in the media.
“Tavecchio misspoke, but he should not be treated as a criminal. He used a colourful term. But he realised that and then apologised. Even the priest on the altar can make a mistake. People are creating a scandal because of political reasons.”
The election was sparked by the resignation of FIGC President Giancarlo Abete after Italy's World Cup exit.