FIFA president Sepp Blatter has today apologised for his controversial comments on racism in football after David Beckham and David Cameron waded into the row. The under-fire head of football's world governing body said he was sorry - but was adamant he would not resign from his role. Speaking to the BBC, the 75-year-old said: 'It hurts and I am still hurting because I couldn't envisage such a reaction.' Eye of the storm: Blatter posted this picture of him hugging South Africa's black football chief Tokyo Sexwale in 2009 which has only fuelled the racism row '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.'
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Prime Minister and former England captain brand Blatter's comments 'appalling'
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FIFA president embroiled in Twitter row with Rio Ferdinand who accused him of being 'ignorant'
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Several Premier League managers join criticism
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Key FIFA partner Emirates reveal they may not renew their £122m deal over concerns its brand has been damaged
@placeholder has a long standing and proud record in the area of anti-discrimination which will continue ...