Minister of Human Settlements Tokyo Sexwale has defended FIFA president Sepp Blatter but believes that Chelsea and England skipper John Terry should be stripped of the captaincy while under investigation for racism.
Sexwale was brought into the controversy surrounding Blatter after Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand accused FIFA of displaying a photo of the head of the governing body standing next to Sexwale in order to prove that the 75-year-old wasn't racist.
"What was problematic was [Blatter's] initial statement as reported, which said racism does not exist on the pitch," said Sexwale. "This was rather unfortunate.
"With countless cases of racial slurs being spewed on the playing fields by players against others that is well known. Our committee has joined the call for such players to be brought to book. Their racial indiscretions are totally unacceptable.
"The most known of these cases is Chelsea captain John Terry. [He] is also captain of the English national team. It is therefore not helpful for any side to bear him with the captain's armband whilst the indiscretion against another player of another race is still so fresh in mind."
The South Africa-born businessman insists that allowing the 30-year-old to remain as captain would give a bad "impression" of the game.
"This would give inadvertently an impression that people get a slap on the wrist as harsh punishment is being called upon, as was done this morning by, amongst others, David Beckham.
"No player during the course of the game should ever evoke racist remarks against other players under the guise of tension during the game. That is unacceptable."
Meanwhile, Blatter has stated that he will not resign from his post at the governing body, but has apologised for his comments.
Danielle Joynson
