Italian Football Federation vice-chief Carlo Tavecchio has been caught up in a racism row after he made comments referring to African players as 'banana-eaters'.
Tavecchio is tipped to be the favourite in succeeding Giancarlo Abete as president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
The vice-chief has come under huge criticism after making a speech about the mass influx of foreign players into the Italian leagues.
In his speech, Tavecchio said: "In England, they identify the players coming in and, if they are professional, they are allowed to play.
"Here instead we get Opti Pobà, who previously ate bananas and then suddenly becomes a first-team player with Lazio. That's how it is here."
Tavecchio faced mass criticism for his comments and, when asked about them by reporters, the Italian claimed that he had forgotten what he said in his speech.
