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ZURICH (AP) — FIFA wants the Italian soccer federation to open an investigation into alleged racist comments by presidential candidate Carlo Tavecchio.
FIFA said Monday it has written to the Italian group "asking it to take the appropriate steps to investigate and decide on this matter and report to FIFA."
The international governing body also reminded the Italian federation that "the fight against racism is a top priority for FIFA."
Amateur leagues president Tavecchio sparked outrage Friday when he discussed the presence of foreign players in Italy.
Using a hypothetical name, he said: "In England they select players based on professionalism, whereas we say that 'Opti Poba' is here, he was eating bananas before and now he's starting for Lazio and that's OK."
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