Parma have reiterated their support for racism-row FIGC Presidential candidate Carlo Tavecchio.
Parma have reiterated their support for racism-row FIGC Presidential candidate Carlo Tavecchio.
Several clubs have withdrawn their backing for the 71-year-old after he made racist comments in a speech, including Fiorentina” data-scaytid=”3″>Fiorentina, Sampdoria” data-scaytid=”4″>Sampdoria, Cagliari” data-scaytid=”5″>Cagliari and Sassuolo” data-scaytid=”6″>Sassuolo.
“Considering the way Parma have been treated over the last two years, we look at facts and not words,” pointed out general manager Pietro Leonardi to ANSA.
“The facts are that the Lega Serie A decided on a course of action and we will not budge from that, so we confirm our support for Tavecchio.
“The clubs tied themselves to a precise programme with a tight synergy between the four Leghe (Serie A, Serie B, Lega Pro and amateur, ndr) to co-ordinate rules and work together to save football.
“We are standing by that programme and consider it to be fundamental.”
Tavecchio’s racist comments sparked outrage, including today from players Giorgio Chiellini and Daniele De Rossi.
Yet clubs such as Milan, Lazio” data-scaytid=”44″>Lazio, Napoli and Genoa continue to vote for him.
“Tavecchio made a formal apology,” insisted Parma chief Leonardi. “Besides, if we had to judge every word someone said, we’d be arguing for years.
“It is better to look at facts and actions, so we still consider Tavecchio’s plan to be the best strategy.
“I don’t want to comment on what the other clubs have said, but I think the right venue for discussion is the Lega Serie A meeting.”
The FIGC Presidential election is on August 11 and the only other candidate is Demetrio Albertini.