A new Italian football club named after the fictional player used by Carlo Tavecchio in the comments that sparked a racism storm has been set up to promote integration.
Tavecchio, now the Italian FA (FIGC) president, was reported to have told the summer meeting of Italy's amateur leagues in July: "In England, they identify the players coming in and, if they are professional, they are allowed to play.
"Here instead we get 'Opti Poba' [the hypothetical player], 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."
Now ASD Opti Poba, in the state of Basilicata, will begin life in the lower leagues after the necessary 500 euros for it to be admitted to competition were raised.
The club was only formed on Friday, but its Facebook page already has more than 500 likes and its foundation has been widely reported in the Italian media.
Francesco Giuzio, the coach who created the club, said the idea was "an attempt to reawaken dormant consciences and to stimulate those already sensitive to these problems [of racism]."
The club's mission statement says ASD Opti Poba players would be immigrants who "are often accepted into the country, but not really welcomed in the true sense of the word."
It adds: "What better a way of conveying this welcome than through football?"
ASD Opti Poba will be able to play in the league competition from the start of next season. Their patron is Giuseppe Lolaico, currently captain of FC Potenza.
UEFA last week announced that Tavecchio has been banned for six months following a disciplinary investigation into his comments.