NEWS Italian Soccer Chairman’s Anti-Semitic Remarks Spark Harsh Criticism

By Adam Smulevich

The Italian Soccer Chairman Carlo Tavecchio proved once again his inadequacy to his role. In an unequivocal interview with online newspaper Soccerlife, published on Sunday by national newspaper Corriere della Sera, Tavecchio speaks about “bad jews” and “gays to be avoided at all the costs”. His remarks spark harsh criticism.

“The indecent homophobic and anti-Semitic statements of the Italian Football Federation president Carlo Tavecchio constitute a very serious and huge image damage to the credibility of our national sport and its institutions”, President of the Union of Italian Jewish Communities Renzo Gattegna said.

“This interview represents a new false step that I hope will bring those responsible for his appointment to make the most appropriate reflections”.

“In soccer there can be no room for anti-Semitism, racism and homophobia. Italian sport should ask for a step back,” said the president of the Jewish Community of Rome Ruth Dureghello.