MIAMI:  Jeff Webb, FIFA’s anti-discrimination enforcer, has issued a reminder to all football officials worldwide about the standards they endorsed last year at the world federation’s Congress.

Webb, also president of central/north America region CONCACAF, spoke out in response to reports from Italy that a federation presidency candidate had described African players as ‘banana eaters.’

Carlo Tavecchio, favourite to succeed Giancarlo Abete, made the comment while commenting on the issue of controlling foreign imports for the sake of the national team.

The football community is appalled by the recent racist comments made by the Italian Football Federation Vice President, Mr. Carlo Tavecchio, a year after FIFA Member Associations unanimously approved a resolution to fight against racism and discrimination.

Statement

Webb, in a statement issued from CONCACAF headquarters in Miami, said: “The football community is appalled by the recent racist comments made by the Italian football federation vice-president, Mr Carlo Tavecchio, a year after FIFA member associations unanimously approved a resolution to fight against racism and discrimination.

“After addressing the issue with the Italian football federation (FIGC), FIFA and the anti-racism and discrimination task force are looking deeper into this matter, while awaiting its official response.

“The FIGC and the football family at large deserve exemplary leadership capable of directing the industry in a transparent way for a dignified, diverse and inclusive society.

“As guiding voices within our communities, we strongly urge all football officials to speak and act in a responsible manner, adhering to the principle of respect that every human merits.”

Tavecchio, head of Italian football’s amateur football section, was considered favourite to defeat fellow FIGC vice-president Emrico Albertini in next month’s election.

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