LONDON (AP) — Sepp Blatter said Friday he is “sorry’ for offending anyone by his comments on racism in soccer but will not resign as FIFA president.

Blatter told the BBC in an interview in Zurich that he “deeply regretted” using “unfortunate words” earlier this week, when he said any racist abuse on the soccer field could be settled by a handshake at the end of the match.

“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,” Blatter said Friday. “It hurts and I am still hurting because I couldn’t envisage such a reaction.”

Blatter, who was re-elected to a four-year term in June, has faced calls in Britain for his resignation but ruled out leaving his post.

“I cannot resign,” he told the BBC. “Why should I? To leave would be totally unfair and not compatible with my fighting spirit, my character, my energy.”

Blatter insisted his “fight against racism and discrimination will go on.”

He also said any players found guilty of racism on the pitch should be thrown out of the game.

“Zero tolerance,” he said. “This was a good lesson for me as well.”

British Prime Minister David Cameron joined the wave of condemnation of Blatter on Thursday, saying “it’s appalling to suggest that racism in any way should be accepted as part of the game.”