Carraro’s decision to quit followed the publication in the Italian media of mobile phone conversations between high-ranking soccer officials and club bosses at Serie A giants Juventus.
According to reports, the discussions, while not exposing any criminal acts, reveal discussions regarding referee appointments for games in Italy and Europe – confirming suggestions of an uncomfortably close relationship between Juve and top officials.
In a resignation letter published on the FIGC's website, Carraro said that he had taken his decision to allow the federation to deal with various serious issues impacting on Italian soccer. He added he was resigning to enable the federation to discuss these matters in complete freedom, thereby enabling it to take the proper decisions in the interests of football.
Carraro, 66, is a well known figure in the sport’s administration. A member of the UEFA Executive Committee, he is also on the organising committee for the FIFA World Cup.
Franco Carraro, president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), has stepped down from the post after more than five years in charge amid a scandal engulfing Italian soccer.
