Bologna, August 11, 2014 – The election of Carlo Tavecchio as president of the Italian Football Federation is "a defeat, a terrible own goal," according to Flavio Romani, president of Arcigay. He adds: "Despite a less than exemplary past, and the unabashed racism and sexism he displayed, Mr. Tavecchio has achieved one of the most important roles in the national sports system: thus, the country abandons all good intentions and every attempt to pursue meritocracy. Furthermore, in an environment as highly educational as sports, the election of a man without substance to such an important position speaks to the inability, despite numerous incidents of violence and discrimination, to prioritize ethics and social responsibility. On the contrary, as often happens in this country, backroom deals, expediency, and crafty individuals seem to prevail." "For years," Romani continues, "we have looked to professional football as a partner and ally in the fight against discrimination. From this perspective, Tavecchio's election feels like a sudden setback and risks condemning Italian sport to backwardness and ignorance. "There couldn't have been a worse choice," he concludes.
