Former France international Patrick Vieira, who spent time playing for AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus, has shared his thoughts on Carlo Tavecchio being named president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).

Yesterday, Tavecchio defeated rival candidate Demetrio Albertini with a majority of the vote, despite having battled allegations of racism during the weeks leading up to his election.

Vieira echoed the thoughts of many people in and around soccer who have learned of the 71-year-old’s appointment to Italian soccer’s top spot.

“I’m finding it really hard to believe that Carlo Tavecchio has been elected as president of the Italian FA after the comments that he made,” Vieira wrote on Twitter.

“For me, that shows how far away the Italian football authorities are from dealing with discrimination.”

“63 per cent of those that voted are admitting that they aren’t fighting against racism, or that they don’t want to fight these problems.”

“I played in Italy for years so I know the issues, I saw the issues. If he was an English man making this kind of comment, politically, he would be completely out.”

“This decision was made in football, but I think it is bigger than football. It should make the whole country of Italy look at the message they want to send about what they think about racism.”

“I can’t believe he will represent the Italian football authorities. What a shame.”

Regardless of the controversy surrounding his appointment, Tavecchio began his first day of work in his new office by contacting former Juventus manager Antonio Conte regarding the opening on the Italian national team. The Azzurri have been looking for a new manager since Cesare Prandelli resigned after Italy’s failed efforts during this summer’s World Cup.