Andrea Abodi, Italy’s Minister for Sport and Youth, weighed in on the issue of racism in football, Luciano Moggi’s Calciopoli claims and the state of stadiums across the country.
Inter striker Romelu Lukaku was the victim of racist abuse during the recent Derby d’Italia clash with Juventus in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-finals, an incident that drew widespread condemnation from the wider footballing world.
Moggi gave an interview on Sunday where he discussed a ‘box’ of evidence that he claimed would ‘rewrite’ the story surrounding Calciopoli. The FIGC formally confirmed their bid for Euro 2032, something that many hope will lead to new stadiums being built or current ones modernised.
Speaking to Radio Rai 1, Abodi was first asked what could be done to remove uncivilised people from football stadiums.
“Everyone can make a contribution with their behaviour to continue the work that Piantedosi is carrying out with merit.
“The clubs must cooperate by providing footage and also in some way indicate that those who continue with racist and anti-Semitic chants are undesirable.
“Those who behave like this are not fans but hooligans.”
The Minister for Sport and Youth was also asked about Moggi’s Calciopoli claims and if he was sent a USB drive by the former Juventus director containing the apparent evidence.
“If I had received it, I would have forwarded it to the judicial authorities. But I haven’t received any flash drive.
“If we want to start even with a review of the incident, we have to be clear and transparent, I did not receive any flash drive.”
He commented on the state of football stadiums across Italy and what can be done to improve them.
“I remember the first interviews I did 13 years ago to these microphones and not much has changed. The European Championship is a great opportunity because they seem to be made for us.
“We have to try to simplify everything and the work of the government goes in this direction. There are 10 stadiums plus one that could be involved and so there is a lot of work to be done.”
Finally, Abodi was asked to give his thoughts on the seemingly endless sports justice cases surrounding football in Italy.
“We need clarity. This is not a team issue. There is a risk of transferring sports justice to a simple football match. We should all be on the same side.
“I will meet this week with Gravina and I will ask for a meeting with the presidents of the leagues. We need transparency and clarity, as well as the same standards for everyone.”