The South African Football Association says people should forgive FIFA President Sepp Blatter for his controversial comments downplaying racism in the sport.
SAFA said on Saturday that Blatter's remarks were unfortunate but hopes ''the world will move on'' after football's highest figure apologized for saying that racist slurs on the field could be sorted out with a handshake after the match.
SAFA said the matter was blown out of proportion but also noted in its statement that Blatter had ''sent the wrong signal.''
South Africa's football body paid tribute to Blatter's efforts in taking the World Cup to South Africa last year and said his recent comments were ''unfortunate, regrettable and out of sync with what he (Blatter) stood for all his life.''
