President of the association, Carlo Tavecchio, was recorded
in a conversation in which he is heard saying antisemitic statements.
Tavecchio, 72, met with a real estate developer, as reported
by Corriere della Sera , and when
asked about Jewish investors he answered: “I have nothing against them,
but I prefer to keep them at bay.”
He also adds racist statements against
homosexuals at the same conversation. “I have nothing against them, just
keep them away from me. I am perfectly normal,” he said.
Tavecchio responded to the publication claiming that this is
“a blackmail against him”. He added: “I have very good relations
with the Jewish community, not only on sporting background. I also supported Israel’s
position in recent FIFA Congress. Any attempt to discredit and defame my name
in illegal methods will fail. “
