Apologetic Blatter rules out resignation

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has attempted to draw a line after the controversy sparked by his remarks on racism by issuing an apology.

The apology was however accompanied by an insistence he would not resign – and an admonishment from the Football Association that his initial comments had been “irresponsible”.

Blatter, 75, backtracked on statements made in interviews earlier this week that incidents of racist abuse on the pitch should be settled by a handshake between the players concerned.

The FIFA president admitted yesterday that his comments had caused a “serious incident” and that he had used “unfortunate words” which he “deeply regretted”. FA chairman David Bernstein said Blatter’s apology was “necessary”.

Bernstein said: “A handshake at the end of the game does not draw a line under racial abuse during a match. Mr Blatter has made it clear he will not resign but his apology today was necessary. His initial comments were wrong and irresponsible.

“As I have said many times in the past, with power comes responsibility and I - with others in prominent positions in the game have to make sure we live up to the values of which we speak.”

Bernstein spoke after an apparently humble Blatter admitted he had been wrong.

Blatter told BBC Sport: “When you have done something which was absolutely not totally correct, I can only say I am sorry for all those people affected by my declarations.

“I am sorry and I regret that my statements earlier this week have resulted in an unfortunate situation. I am committed to the fight against racism and I will not stop until I have stamped out racism in football.”

Blatter was adamant however, that he would not resign over the comments.

“I cannot resign,” he said. “Why should I? When you are faced with a problem you have to solve the problem. To leave the organisation this would be totally unfair and is not compatible with my fighting spirit, my character, my energy and my personal commitment to football.”

Blatter now says any players found guilty of racism on the pitch should be thrown out of the game.

“Zero tolerance,” he said. “This was a good lesson for me as well. It should be and it shall be zero tolerance.”

The controversy has seen Blatter become embroiled in a Twitter row with Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand, and the FIFA president said he had hoped for “a little bit better more understanding from star players” because of their record in tackling racism.

Ferdinand’s former United team-mate David Beckham joined in the condemnation of Blatter’s initial comments, calling them “appalling” and adding: “(Racism) can’t be swept under the carpet, it can’t be sorted out with a handshake.

“That’s not the way of the world and that’s not how racism should be treated.”