LEAD: Apologetic Blatter says he will not resign over racism row

By Ben James Nov 18, 2011, 11:45 GMT

London - An apologetic Sepp Blatter said on Friday he will not resign as Fifa chief over his controversial comments about racism in football.

The 75-year-old was widely criticised earlier this week when he said that incidents of racial discrimination between players on the pitch should be settled with a handshake at the end of the match.

But in an interview with the BBC on Friday, Blatter said he was sorry for all the people affected by his comments and that he remained committed to kicking racism out of football.

'I cannot resign,' he said. 'Why should I? When you are faced with a problem you have to face the problem. To leave would be totally unfair and not compatible with my fighting spirit, my character, my energy.'

Former England captain David Beckham had been the latest to pile the pressure on Blatter, calling the Swiss's comments on racism 'appalling.'

Blatter said he had been stunned by the reaction and apologised for any pain his 'unfortunate' words, uttered in an interview with CNN, had caused.

'It hurts and I am still hurting because I couldn't envisage such a reaction,' Blatter said.

'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.'

Blatter caused anger in the football community when he told CNN that racism on the pitch could be 'settled with a handshake at the end of the match'.

Former England captain Rio Ferdinand slammed Blatter's words and Beckham backed him up, saying: 'I think the comments were appalling. A lot of people have said that.

'I don't think the comments were very good for this game. (Racism) can't be swept under the carpet and it can't be sorted out with just a handshake.'

Beckham stopped short of calling for Blatter to stand down but with Fifa sponsors reportedly considering their future, his position is undoubtedly less secure than even just a few days ago.

'I have no power over who goes or stays within Fifa and I don't wish to have, but there obviously is racism throughout soccer and life,' Beckham said.

'Being around the England team I have seen the FA do a lot of work towards kicking racism out of the game, they have made huge strides in the last 10 or 15 years but it is still there.'

Blatter's original comments to CNN came on the same day that the English Football Association announced it is to charge Liverpool striker Luis Suarez with making racist comments towards Manchester United player Patrice Evra in a recent match.

On Friday, Blatter said he was committed to getting rid of racism from the sport and said those found guilty would be punished.

'Zero tolerance,' he said. 'This was a good lesson for me as well.'

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