"I would deny it," he said when asked if there was on-field racism. "There is no racism, there is maybe one of the players towards another, he has a word or a gesture which is not the correct one."
"But also the one who is affected by that, he should say that this is a game. We are in a game, and at the end of the game, we shake hands, and this can happen, because we have worked so hard against racism and discrimination."
Blatter has served as a FIFA official since 1975 and presided over soccer's international governing body since 1998. Despite countless examples of racially motivated abuse committed by players, coaches and fans — including a number of high-profile cases this season in England — he claims that the organization has taken great strides toward ridding the game of racism and discrimination.
"I think the whole world is aware of the efforts we are making against racism and discrimination," he said. "And on the field of play sometimes you say something that is not very correct, but then at the end of the game, the game is over and you have the next game where you can behave better."
Thumbnail photo via Flickr/cvrcak1
