The German football federation threatened to end its cooperation with FourFourTwo in a letter of protest. "In the latest issue he is allowed to spread his inhuman world view," the federation wrote. "We consider it unacceptable and irresponsible to give those views a platform in this way."

Di Canio, who now plays for Cisco Roma, was fined and widely condemned last year for twice giving stiff-arm salutes at Lazio games.

In Italy, the gesture is widely associated with the rule of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, although Di Canio denied having a political motive.

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FourFourTwo apologized to the federations, calling the interview a mistake. Editor Oliver Guss said it appeared in the English edition and was used in other international versions of the magazine. The Germans were the only ones to protest, Guss said.

Since hosting the World Cup, German football has been alarmed by an upswing in racist and anti- Semitic chanting at its stadiums, along with a growing number of far- right sympathizers among fans.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid faces an early exit from Spain's King's Cup if it fails to overturn a 1-0 deficit in its postponed fourth- round, second-leg match away to Levante tomorrow (HK time).

The club spent more than 50 million euros (HK$500 million) strengthening the side during the close season and has targeted the cup as a shortcut to achieving its objective of a place in Europe next season.

Atletico fell 1-0 at home to a late goal from Levante striker Nino in the first leg.

Javier Aguirre's side, which is fifth in the Primera Liga, lost 2-1 at home to Espanyol at the weekend.

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