Blatter responds to Rio

Under-fire FIFA president Sepp Blatter has become embroiled in a war of words with Rio Ferdinand on Twitter regarding his comments on racism.

FIFA president blasts back at Man Utd defender

Under-fire FIFA president Sepp Blatter has become embroiled in a war of words with Rio Ferdinand on Twitter regarding his comments on racism. Manchester United defender Ferdinand was quick to condemn remarks made by Blatter on Wednesday suggesting racism is not a problem in football and that any on-field disputes should be settled with a handshake. The comments stirred up a storm which has led to calls for Blatter to resign. Ferdinand contacted Blatter's Twitter account directly, writing: "@SeppBlatter your comments on racism are so condescending its almost laughable. If fans shout racist chants but shake our hands is that ok?"

Awareness

The England player also criticised FIFA's attempts to clarify Blatter's comments with a statement on their website underneath a picture of Blatter with South African minister Tokyo Sexwale, who was imprisoned on Robben Island during the apartheid era. Ferdinand wrote: "Fifa clear up the blatter comments with a pic of him posing with a black man..I need the hand covering eyes symbol!!" Blatter was stung into a response on Thursday and replied directly to Ferdinand saying: "The 'black man' as you call him has a name: Tokyo Sexwale. He has done tremendous work against racism and apartheid in Africa. "We have done several joint activities to raise awareness on the struggle against racism in South Africa. FIFA has a long standing and proud record in the area of anti-discrimination which will continue."