Carlo Tavecchio elected Italian FA president amid racism allegations

Carlo Tavecchio was elected the new president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on Monday, despite the fact that he has been at the center of allegations of racism. Tavecchio came under fire after allegedly making racist remarks about African players after the World Cup.

Carlo Tavecchio was elected the new president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on Monday, despite the fact that he has been at the center of allegations of racism, according to the Associated Press. 

Tavecchio came under fire after allegedly making racist remarks about African players after the World Cup.

From the AP:

Using a hypothetical name, [Tavecchio] 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."

FIFA wrote a letter to the FIGC about the incident, asking them to "take the appropriate steps to investigate and decide on this matter and report to FIFA."

More: FIFA's Blatter challenges critics to run against him

Tavecchio, who had been the favorite to be elected, replaces Giancarlo Abete in the position. The 71-year-old garnered 63.63 percent of the third-round vote, beating Demetrio Albertin.

"I will be the president of everyone, especially those who didn't vote for me," Tavecchio said. 

- Molly Geary