Blatter: Racism a social, not football, problem

Blatter said on Saturday that he would speak to UEFA boss Michel Platini over the level of fine dished out to Serbia for incidents at an Under-21 match against England in October.

"I will take the discussion up with the president of UEFA," Blatter told reporters after FIFA's executive committee meeting in Tokyo on the sidelines of the Club World Cup."

European football's governing body UEFA have said they may appeal the punishment of a 80,000 euro fine handed out by its own disciplinary committee to Serbia.

"I don't know if he has an influence on his disciplinary committee," added Blatter. "Definitely FIFA's stance is zero tolerance for discrimination and racism.

"We must be very, very strong about discrimination and racism in football."

"Racism and discrimination exists in football," said Blatter. "But it comes not from football, it comes from our society. It is a question of solidarity and of education."

"You cannot educate everybody to be fair. It's so easy to say that football is discipline, respect and fair play. That's easy to say but not so easy to apply."

The Serbian FA (FSS) was also told to stage its next Under-21 home match behind closed doors after players and fans were found guilty of improper conduct in England's 1-0 win.

Several prominent black players in England, including Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, have boycotted the Premier League "Kick it Out" campaign.