Italian Football Federation president (FIGC) Carlo Tavecchio was yesterday handed a six-month ban by Uefa for alleged racist 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 of Italy’s amateur leagues.

Both Uefa and Fifa launched investigations into the matter and the European governing body has now confirmed that Tavecchio will be “ineligible for any position as a Uefa official for a period of six months.”

The campaign against Tavecchio’s candidacy began when he made an allegedly racist comment when using a fictional example to try to make a point about the number of foreign players in the Italian leagues.

Quoted by newspaper La Repubblica, Tavecchio said: “England identifies the players coming in and, if they are professional, they are allowed to play.

“Here, on the other hand, let’s say there’s (fictional player) Opti Poba, who has come here, who previously was eating bananas and now is a first-team player for Lazio.

“In England he has to demonstrate his CV and his pedigree.”

Despite the controversy, he beat former AC Milan player Demetrio Albertini in the race to succeed Giancarlo Abete.

He subsequently apologised and the FIGC decided not to take any action. But Uefa’s ethics and disciplinary body conducted its own investigations.

Upon learning of Uefa’s investigation, Tavecchio said in a statement: “I am calm and I respect Uefa’s decision.

“It’s something that had to be done, hence we had foreseen it. I am certain that I will also be able to explain in Uefa’s headquarters my mistake as well as my true intentions.”

A Uefa statement was released outlining the full punishment.

As well as the six-month ban, Tavecchio will not participate in the next Uefa congress scheduled for March 24 2015.

But Uefa have allowed him to organise a special event in Italy aimed at increasing awareness and compliance with the principles of Uefa’s anti-racism campaign.”

The FIGC later released a statement confirming that Tavecchio would not contest the decision.