Three months after being handed a three-year suspension by the ITF, Illie Nastase has been appointed an honorary consul by the Czech Republic.
The former world No.1 is banned from any official role within an ITF event until 2021 for breaching the welfare policy earlier in the year. During Romania’s Fed Cup clash with Great Britain, Nastase got into a heated confrontation with the rival team and was subsequently removed from the tie. He was heard calling British captain Anne Keothavong and player Johanna Konta ‘F***ing bitches.”
During that same weekend he also came under fire for his comments about Serena Williams’ baby. Speculating that she will be born ‘chocolate with milk.’ A reference to the colour of Williams and her partner Alexis Ohanian.
Despite the controversy, the 71-year-old is set to begin a new role. Following a meeting on Friday, Czech foreign minister Lubomir Zaoralek confirmed that Nastase has been appointed the Czech Republic’s honorary consul to Romania.
“It’s a great honour,” Nastase said. “My country didn’t give me this chance, but you gave me this chance, and I appreciate it.”
Honorary consuls are technically not diplomats with their job focused on promoting the interests of a certain country in another. In Nastase’s case he will be promoting the Czech Republic in his native country from a base in the Black Sea port of Constanta.
“The main task is to promote the economic, commercial and cultural interests of the Czech Republic, to develop mutual relations in these areas and, last but not least, to help Czech citizens, especially if they are in need,” Zaoralek said about the role.
Zaoralek, who is bidding to become prime minister in next month’s Czech election, has defended the appointment of the controversial figure. When Nastase made an appearance during the trophy ceremony at the Madrid Open, the tournament was condemned by the WTA. The owner of the Madrid Open is another Romanian, Ion Tiriac.
“I trust Mr. Nastase,” Zaoralek said. “[In diplomacy] we have to weigh our words, and I think Mr. Nastase is fully aware of that.
“I am sure that his transfer from sports to diplomacy will be successful because I can see him as [a] person who realizes the responsibility he has in the new function.”
Nastase is a two-time grand slam champion, winning the 1972 French Open without dropping a set.
