Tony Baffoe advises new Italian football anti-racism chair

Former Bundesliga player Anthony Baffoe told Italy’s newly appointed anti-racism advisor Fiona May Thursday that she “has a lot of work to do” in the Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC) and she “must be determined to fight”.



“Fiona, you have a lot of work to do and you need to surround yourself with people who know how to do their work well,” Baffoe said during a conference organized by the European governing body for soccer.



“You are here with the newly elected president who doesn’t know these things and has said negative expressions,” he added, in a reference to FIGC President Carlo Tavecchio, whose recent comments about “banana-eating” non-EU players caused international consternation.



“For you, this job won’t be easy”, said Baffoe, who played during the 1980s and 1990s.Ghana-born Baffoe, one of the first black players in the Bundesliga, was speaking at the Respect Diversity seminar.



“It is important that you know how to consult with people who can help you,” he added.



“I don’t want them to use you, it is very important that you understand that if they do, you must very determined to fight for your rights”, Baffoe added.



May, a retired Italian Olympic medalist and former long jump world champion, agreed last month to be Tavecchio’s advisor.