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BY MARC STEIDLER

 
FIFA President Sepp Blatter is no stranger to controversy. Allegations of corruption and backroom dealings have dogged the FIFA head -- and he once said the women’s game could be improved with tighter shorts.

 
But it was Blatter’s comments Wednesday to Al Jazeera that had him back in the hot seat.

 
“You may say something to somebody who is not exactly looking like you. But at the end of the match, it’s forgotten. Racism is if there are spectators who are outside the field of play, there are movements of discrimination. But on the field of play I deny there is racism.”

 
England footballer Rio Ferdinand, whose brother was allegedly abused on the pitch by England captain John Terry, expressed his disappointment with Blatter on Twitter.

 
“I feel stupid for thinking that football was taking a leading role against racism.....it seems it was just on mute for a while."

 
Blatter clarified his remarks on FIFA’s website by saying he was committed to the fight against racism. The page also included a picture of Blatter hugging a South African government official. But the chief executive of England’s Profession Footballers’ Association told CNN -- Blatter needs the boot.

 
“We want football to set an example on the field. This is the head of the world body. Two hundred countries, different colors, creeds, coaches, politics. We want football to set the right example. To talk in the way he did is inexcusable. He’s out of touch and out of tune and out of place.”

 
However, the Telegraph talked to former player Paul Elliott who thinks Blatter will stay because there’s still work to do.

 
“Many people are calling for his head. He’s still here. He’s saying that his mandate is to carry out the structural reforms that’s need to be, to engage FIFA again. That’s all part of his legacy. So I think Blatter’s a very, very astute man and I think he’s gonna be around for a little while yet.

 
If Blatter does indeed stay -- a writer for SB Nation thinks we would be better off just ignoring the FIFA chief.

 
“Even ‘defending football' against him is unnecessary. What we should do instead is stop pretending that what Blatter says matters.”
 
Yahoo!UK asked its European network of outlets if Blatter’s comments actually mattered. Most reported Blatter wasn’t well-liked, but that was mainly because of FIFA’s record of corruption, not for Blatter’s stance on racism.
 
 
 
Transcript by Newsy.


 

Sports News: FIFA Head Denies Racism in Soccer

FIFA Head: Racism Doesn't Exist on Field of Play

November 17, 2011
(2:23)
Despite incidents involving high profile players, FIFA President Sepp Blatter denies racism happens on the soccer pitch.
   
TRANSCRIPT

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