Fifa president Sepp Blatter attempts to clarify racism comments

Fifa president Sepp Blatter has moved to clarify his comments on rascism after stinging attacks from the world of football.

The Swiss chief had been quoted as saying race issues could be sorted "with a handshake" after games but after players, managers and anti-racism organisations rose up as one to condemn the comments, the 75-year-old claimed he was misunderstood.

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"But, having said that, I go on with my determination and energy to go against all discrimination and racism."

The opposition has been rolling in to Blatter's comments. The FA released a statement on Wednesday evening that read: “The FA and all of English football are united behind the belief that there should be a zero tolerance approach against racism and all forms of discrimination.

“We are committed to inclusivity and all forms of discrimination should be reported.”

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was one of the most vocal players, and even became embroiled in a Twitter row with Blatter.

He tweeted: "What you said about racism in football spoke volumes of your ignorance. If we want to stamp out racism in society a football pitch is a good place to start - loved by billions."

To which Blatter replied: "Fifa has a long standing and proud record in the area of anti-discrimination which will continue."

Birmingham manager Chris Hughton also spoke out, telling BBC Sport: "The massive concern is that one person who heads the world's governing body firstly is allowed to make the comments that he made and secondly has made the comments that he's made.

"For the top person in world football to make the comments that he has done is totally unacceptable."