Blatter apologises for racism comments - but won't quit

Humiliated Sepp Blatter has apologised for the racial abuse claims that stunned the world – but refused to even consider stepping down as FIFA President.

Less than 48 hours after the outrageous suggestion that on-field racism should be forgiven and forgotten by a handshake at the final whistle, Blatter said: “I regret that my statements earlier this week have resulted in an unfortunate situation and taken this dimension.

“I am committed to the fight against racism and I have no doubt about that

“When you have done something which was not totally correct, I can only say I am sorry for all those people affected by my ­declarations.”

Pressed over whether he would quit, though, Blatter insisted: “I cannot resign. Why should I?”

Blatter’s apology came as South African ­businessman Tokyo Sexwale – who became immersed in the row when FIFA used an image of him with Blatter to justify the FIFA chief’s anti-racist credentials – insisted the Swiss was not a racist, just wrong.

Sexwale, who spoke to the FIFA boss by phone on Friday morning, said: “The ­statements that Mr Blatter uttered were problematic, damaging and unfortunate.

“Once you use a racial slur, it doesn’t go away. You can’t mitigate it with a ­handshake.

“But when I spoke to him [Blatter] I could tell this was a man full of contrition.”

The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) were last night fined £34,000 by UEFA for racist abuse by fans in the Euro 2012 qualifier against England in September.

Lothar Matthaus, who was coach of Bulgaria at the time, apologised. “It’s pitiful for things like that to happen,” he said.

*

The black South African at the centre of the Sepp Blatter picture row said his biggest problem was not with the FIFA president - but with England allowing John Terry to be skipper against Sweden.

Tokyo Sexwale insisted Terry should have been stripped of the captaincy while being investigated for alleged racial abuse of QPR’s Anton Ferdinand.

“It is not helpful for any side to have honoured him with the captain’s armband whilst the indiscretion against another player is still so fresh in the mind,” the FIFA fair play official said.

“This will give an impression that people get a slap on the wrist, when harsh punishment is being called for.”

***

Brian Reade: Why racism will always be a problem in football while FIFA are in charge  

Beckham slams Blatter's 'appalling' racism comments  

Wenger: We must have 'zero tolerance' on racism  

FIFA sponsors let Blatter off the hook

'Embarrassing' Blatter defies calls to quit

"Barmy" Blatter should go over racism claims - McCarthy

Blatter's racism claims totally unacceptable - Hughton

Sepp Blatter starts Twitter war with Rio Ferdinand

Blatter should go but he won't... and football is to blame

FIFA lackeys must grow a pair and tell Blatter to quit now

Blatter's Fifa presidency is a farce that's fast turning into a tragedy: Oliver Holt opinion