Carlo Tavecchio is a name that resonates deeply within the world of Italian football. Known for his influential roles in sports administration, particularly within the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), his life has been marked by both triumphs and controversies. Born on July 13, 1943, in Ponte Lambro, a small town in the Brianza region of Como, Italy, Tavecchio’s journey from a local bank official to one of the most significant figures in Italian football is as complex as it is fascinating.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Carlo Tavecchio’s early life was rooted in modesty. Growing up in Ponte Lambro, he pursued an education in accounting, which later led him to a career in banking. He began working at the Banca di Credito Cooperativo dell’Alta Brianza, where he eventually rose to the position of a bank manager. His early career in finance was marred by a legal issue in 1970, when he was sentenced to four months in prison for forgery related to credit titles. Despite this setback, Tavecchio remained undeterred, and his interest began to shift towards local politics and sports.
Political Ventures and Entry into Sports
In 1976, at the age of 33, Tavecchio ventured into politics. He was elected as the mayor of his hometown, Ponte Lambro, representing the Christian Democracy party. His tenure as mayor lasted for four consecutive terms, during which he also served as the president of a local football club, ASD Pontelambrese. Under his leadership, the team rose to compete in Italy’s Prima Categoria, a significant achievement for a small-town club.
Tavecchio’s involvement in sports administration began to deepen in the 1980s. In 1987, he was elected as a member of the Regional Committee of the National Amateur League (LND). By 1992, he had risen to the position of vice president of the LND, marking the beginning of his long and often controversial career in Italian football governance.
Legal Troubles and Rise in Football Administration
The 1990s were a turbulent period for Tavecchio. In 1994, he was sentenced to two months and 28 days in prison for tax evasion and failing to pay VAT. This was followed by a three-month prison sentence in 1995 for failing to pay insurance and social security contributions. Despite these legal issues, Tavecchio’s influence within the LND continued to grow, and in 1996, he became the president of the Lombardy Regional Committee.
In 1998, Tavecchio faced another legal challenge when he was convicted of abuse of office and falsification of mandatory reports, resulting in a three-month prison sentence. However, it wasn’t until 2016 that these charges were officially annulled by Italy’s National Anti-Corruption Authority (ANAC), which cleared him of all charges related to the period between 1970 and 1998.
Ascension to the Presidency of the FIGC
By the early 2000s, Carlo Tavecchio had firmly established himself within the corridors of power in Italian football. In 2002, he was appointed as an expert on artificial turf and youth and amateur football. His expertise was recognized by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), and in 2007, he was appointed as vice president of the FIGC. This role was further elevated in 2009 when he became the senior vice president of the federation.
Tavecchio’s influence extended beyond Italy’s borders when he was appointed as a member of UEFA’s Commission for Youth and Amateur Football in 2007. His career, however, was not without its controversies. In May 2014, the investigative journalism program “Report,” aired by Italy’s Rai 3 channel, alleged irregularities in the management of synthetic football pitches in Italy, with Tavecchio being implicated. Around the same time, Tavecchio made a controversial comment in an interview, suggesting that women were once considered “handicapped” in comparison to men in football. This statement, along with others, cast a shadow over his reputation.
The “Opti Pobà” Scandal and Fallout
The most notorious incident of Tavecchio’s career occurred in July 2014. While discussing the presence of foreign players in Italian football, he made a statement that was widely condemned as racist. He remarked, “Opti Pobà came here, and he used to eat bananas, but now he is playing as a starter for Lazio.” This comment sparked outrage across Italy and beyond, with many calling for his resignation.
The backlash was swift and severe. On July 28, 2014, FIFA demanded an investigation into Tavecchio’s comments, and the European Commission also condemned his words. Despite the controversy, Tavecchio was elected as the president of the FIGC on August 11, 2014. His presidency, however, was marred by the scandal, and UEFA subsequently banned him from holding any significant positions in European football for six months. FIFA extended this ban worldwide in November 2014.
Presidency of the FIGC and Subsequent Challenges
Carlo Tavecchio’s presidency of the FIGC was marked by both achievements and failures. He managed to secure the support of the Serie A, Serie D, AIAC, and AIA leagues, which helped him win a second term as president in March 2017 with 54.03% of the votes. His second term, however, was overshadowed by Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, a devastating blow for Italian football.
The failure to qualify led to widespread criticism, and Tavecchio ultimately resigned from his position as FIGC president on November 20, 2017. His resignation was also followed by the dismissal of Italy’s national team coach, Giampiero Ventura, adding to the turmoil within Italian football at the time.
Legacy and Impact on Italian Football
Carlo Tavecchio’s legacy is one of significant impact but also considerable controversy. His contributions to the development of amateur and youth football in Italy are undeniable, and his influence within the FIGC helped shape Italian football for over a decade. However, his career was continually dogged by legal troubles, accusations of racism, and controversial statements, which have left a mixed legacy.
Despite these controversies, Tavecchio’s role in modernizing aspects of Italian football, particularly in the areas of infrastructure and youth development, cannot be overlooked. His career serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between sports, politics, and personal conduct in the world of football administration.
In the final analysis, Carlo Tavecchio remains a polarizing figure in Italian football history. His journey from a small-town mayor to the president of one of the most powerful football federations in the world is a testament to his ambition and influence. Yet, it is also a cautionary tale of how personal conduct and public perception can shape and, at times, overshadow a career.
