Former England captain David Beckham has called Sepp Blatter's comments on racism "appalling".
Blatter, 75, appeared to suggest on Wednesday that racial discrimination could be settled with a handshake.
Beckham said : "I think the comments were appalling. A lot of people have said that.
"I don't think the comments were very good for this game. [Racism] can't be swept under the carpet and it can't be sorted out with just a handshake."
Blatter sought to clarify his comments on Thursday but has attracted widespread condemnation in England, although reaction across continental Europe has been reasonably muted.
"I have no power over who goes or stays within Fifa and I don't wish to have, but there obviously is racism throughout soccer and life," Beckham added.
"Being around the England team I have seen the FA do a lot of work towards kicking racism out of the game, they have made huge strides in the last 10 or 15 years but it is still there."
Beckham was talking ahead of the MLS Cup final on Sunday against Houston which could be his final game for LA Galaxy.
The 36-year-old is coming to the end of his five-year contract and has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
Beckham said: "I'm concentrating on this game on Sunday - simple as that.
"My decision [about whether to move clubs] will come after that, once I get a bit of a rest and see where I am.
"Living in California is something special, something we've enjoyed in the last fve years. There have been moments we've sat back as a family and looked at how lucky we are."
