The former FIGC vice-president has been at the centre of a racism row after allegedly calling African players "banana eaters" during a summer assembly of Italy's amateur leagues.

Despite being a firm favourite for the top job, many top Italian clubs withdrew their support for the 71-year-old following the comments, which he used to describe the presence of foreign players in the Italian leagues.

"In England, they identify the players coming in and if they are professional, they are allowed to play," Tavecchio allegedly said.

"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.

"In England, you need to demonstrate what you have on your CV and your pedigree."

Questioned about the comments afterwards, Tavecchio claimed that he could not remember what he had said in his speech.

"I can't remember if I said the word 'banana' but I was referring to the CV and professionalism required by English football for players who come from Africa or other countries," he said.

"If anyone has interpreted my speech as offensive, I offer my apologies."

Even shrouded in controversy, Tavecchio still claimed the majority of votes during last night's election, fending off the challenge of Demetrio Albertini.

Tavecchio clinched the win in the third round of voting, securing 63.63 per cent of the 274 delegate votes, with Albertini claiming just 33.95 per cent.

The vote was held in the Hotel Hilton at Rome Airport and followed the resignation of former President Giancarlo Abete, who stepped down immediately after Italy's embarrassing early exit from the World Cup finals in Brazil.

Carlo Tavecchio won 63.63 per cent of the third round vote to become the new President of the Italian Football Federation ©Getty Images



Following his election, Tavecchio pledged to prove his doubters wrong.

"I will be a President for everybody, and especially for those who have legitimately expressed their dissent about me taking the job," he told FIGC.it.

"I wish to thank those who have confirmed their confidence in me and who have made me feel supported even during some difficult times.

"Reforming the system can only be done if we work together, there are no magic wands.

"Let us embrace a culture of hard work.

"I invite all members to abandon feelings of division and to get to work."

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani was one of the first to congratulate Tavecchio after the election.

"Practically all of the clubs from Serie A, B, Lega Pro and the amateur league voted, as decided by the respective assemblies, for Carlo Tavecchio," Galliani said.