Italian federation says politician’s World Cup bribe comment is offensive

Italian federation rebukes politician

ROME — Italian politician Umberto Bossi apologized Wednesday for his much-criticized remarks that Italy would “buy” a victory in a crucial World Cup group match against Slovakia.

The comments by Bossi, a Cabinet minister, drew a sharp rebuke from the national soccer federation and fellow politicians.

“I apologize to the national team,” Federal Reforms Minister Bossi told the ANSA news agency. He said his comments were meant as a “joke” and that he hopes Italy wins the World Cup.

The defending champion Italians have had draws against Paraguay and New Zealand in Group F and need a win over last-place Slovakia on Thursday to ensure making the knockout stage.

Bossi reportedly said “they (Italy) will buy it,” responding to a question about which team would win. He said he expected two to three Slovak players to surface in the Italian league next season — apparently as compensation to the Slovakian team.

The Italian federation immediately described Bossi’s remarks as “disconcerting and offensive.” It said that Bossi, a maverick politician known for his anti-establishment rhetoric, had gone “overboard.”