FIFA impose a six-month ban on Italian FA president Carlo Tavecchio

Carlo Tavecchio

FIFA has imposed a six-month ban on Carlo Tavecchio, the president of the Italian Football Association, backdated to October 7.

FIGC chief Tavecchio was given a six-month UEFA ban on October 7 relating to alleged comments made by him during his election campaign.

The 71-year-old drew heavy criticism in July by making an allegedly racist comment about "eating bananas" during an address to a summer assembly on Italy's amateur leagues.

Both UEFA and FIFA launched investigations into the matter and the European body decided to ban Tavecchio from holding a UEFA position for six months and now FIFA has done the same.

In a statement it said: "FIFA's stance against any form of discrimination is unequivocal.

"Article 3 of the FIFA Statutes expressly prohibits discrimination of any kind against persons on account of their race, skin colour, ethnic, national or social origin, gender, language, religion, political opinion, wealth, birth or sexual orientation.

"The resolution on the fight against racism and discrimination advocates the need for strict punishments to send out a strong message that discrimination has no place in the game.

"FIFA also works closely with its member associations around the world to educate and inspire a message of equality and respect.

"The decision by the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee was notified to Mr Tavecchio today." ...SkySports