Blatter told the BBC in an interview Friday in Zurich that he “deeply regretted” using “unfortunate words” on racism earlier this week.
He caused outrage on Wednesday when he said any racist abuse on the football field could be settled by a handshake at the end of the match.
Blatter tells the BBC: “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 has faced calls in Britain for his resignation but said he would not go.
He says “I cannot resign. Why should I? To leave would be totally unfair and not compatible with my fighting spirit, my character, my energy.”
In Johannesburg, the South African politician dragged into the racism uproar engulfing Blatter says the FIFA president’s comments were “unfortunate” and problematic” but he is not willing to “kick a man when he’s down.”
Tokyo Sexwale, the former political prisoner and anti-apartheid activist pictured hugging Blatter on FIFA’s website, said he spoke to Blatter by telephone Friday morning and “could feel that this is a man who was sorry.”
But Sexwale, who is also a member of FIFA’s Committee for Fair play and Social Responsibility, said racism was not something that could be “washed away with a handshake.”
