FIGC President Carlo Tavecchio has dismissed rumours that Mario Balotelli’s recall to the Italy squad was for sponsorship reasons.
FIGC President Carlo Tavecchio has dismissed rumours that Mario Balotelli’s recall to the Italy squad was for sponsorship reasons.
Balotelli is one of the major faces of sports manufacturer Puma, which sponsors the Italian national team, and speculation has been that his recall to the Azzurri was designed to placate the sportswear giant.
Azzurri CT Antonio Conte dismissed the suggestion in a Press conference yesterday, and Carlo Tavecchio echoed the Coach’s words.
“Conte says he has to evaluate him [Balotelli] and I understand,” Tavecchio told RAI.
“You mustn’t think that the sponsors influence sporting decisions. It was a complicated operation [bringing Balotelli back], but the choice was entirely Conte’s.”
Tavecchio also spoke about his racist gaffe, which has led to a six-month ban by FIFA and UEFA.
“An hour after [the comments], I made a conciliatory statement,” the FIGC President protested.
“I was received by [FIFA President Sepp] Blatter under the Italian and European flag. He gave me a gold medal, but then power came into play.
“I’ve adopted three African children, I’ve built two hospitals and also run a tomato-growing cooperative there.”