Arsenal and France star Thierry Henry is to be one of FIFA's ambassadors against racism, revealed FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

Blatter told weekly magazine 'France Football' that while he was delighted World Cup and Euro 2000 winning striker Henry was willing to perform the role he was saddened that it was necessary.

"I am happy that a young man such as Thierry Henry is willing to perform such a duty," said Blatter.

"I am going to name him FIFA ambassador against racism.

"However I am sad that racism has returned to football grounds," added the Swiss national, who admitted he would try for a third mandate in 2007 if he is in good health and the confederations wished him to.

The Spanish football federation were hit last month with a 65,000 euro fine by FIFA for the racist abuse suffered by England's black players in two recent friendly matches.

Players in both England's under-21 and senior teams suffered racist abuse in the November 16/17 friendlies which were played in Spain.

FIFA also said the Spanish football federation faced further and more serious sanctions, including being "excluded from one or several international competitions" if there is evidence of racism in the future.

Henry had been the subject of earlier racist abuse from Spain's national coach, Luis Aragones, made to one of his players and Henry's Arsenal team-mate Jose Antonio Reyes.

Aragones apologised and managed to deflect calls for his resignation, although he risks action by the Spanish FA after it was revealed he had called Reyes 'a gypsy'.

(Agencies)