By Andrew Warshaw
November 23 – FIFA President Sepp Blatter today attempted to close the book on the recent racism in football row, insisting he was not a racist and was determined to move forward with his oft-stated policy of zero tolerance.
Blatter has postponed two possible round table sessions with journalists since his ill-fated remarks about handshakes settling racist disputes on the field, which prompted calls for his resignation in the UK.
Addressing the media at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in Kuala Lumpur, he said he considered the matter over now that he has issued a full and frank apology.
“I have made my apologies and I cannot say more,” said Blatter.
“Anybody still thinking that I am a racist, I am sorry to hear that.
“I have been working now for 37 years in FIFA and I started working in Africa.
“There is no discrimination in my feeling and there is no racism, nothing at all.
“This matter, for me, is over.
“I cannot say more than that.
“We go forward and there is zero tolerance in racism and in discrimination and zero tolerance in all activities on the field of play and outside the field of play.
“During my activities as FIFA President nothing surprises me, but I was very much hurt by these comments because it touched my conscience and in my conscience is the determination I have to go against any discrimination.”
According to reports, the usually savvy Blatter knocked a microphone off the table in front of him and shuffled in his seat when talking about the recent outcry.
It was only when answering questions about racism that he apparently looked uncomfortable.
Asked if there was any way back for former AFC head Mohamed Bin Hammam, banned for life over the cash-for-votes scandal, Blatter replied: “I am not up to comment on any decision taken by our different Committees and we will await the outcome for the next step.”
Bin Hammam has launched an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to overturn the FIFA ban and faces a race against time to clear his name by a deadline of May 31 in order to return to his previous role.
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