( CNN ) -- FIFA president Sepp Blatter has apologized for his remarks about gay fans attending the 2022 World Cup in Qatar . Blatter was heavily criticized for saying they should `` refrain from sexual activity '' if they go to Qatar because homosexuality is illegal in the emirate . `` It was not my intention and never will be my intention to go into any discrimination , '' he told a press conference in Abu Dhabi Friday . `` If somebody feels hurt , then I regret and present apologies , '' added Blatter . The original remarks were made Monday in Johannesburg and the 74-year-old was quick to add that `` in football we have no boundaries . Blatter went on : `` We open everything to everybody and I think there shall not be any discrimination to any human beings . '' But despite the qualification , his comments provoked fury among gay rights groups . Former NBA basketball star John Amaechi -- himself gay -- told APF that the FIFA president was quilty of `` epic , archaic , neanderthal , ignorance . '' Blatter , in Abu Dhabi for FIFA 's Club World Cup , also gave his support to the notion of the 2022 World Cup being played in January rather than the traditional mid-summer slot . The move , to avoid the blistering 50 degrees centigrade heat in Qatar in June and July , was first suggested by Germany 's FIFA executive committee member Franz Beckenbauer and is gathering momentum . `` I definitely support ( the idea ) to play in winter here , '' Blatter said . `` It is important to play when the climate is appropriate and I 'm thinking about the footballers , not only the fans but the actors . '' Organizers in Qatar have said they will provide air-conditioned stadiums and training grounds to combat the stifling heat . They have not made an official request to switch dates which would bring clashes with major club leagues in Europe such as the English Premier League , Spain 's La Liga and Serie A in Italy .
Sepp Blatter apologizes for remarks about gay fans attending 2022 World Cup . Blatter said they should `` refrain from sexual activity '' in Qatar where homosexuality illegal . FIFA president Blatter says he is against discrimination in all forms . TL;DR The U.S. women's national soccer team will play its first game at the 2014 Women's World Cup, a friendly match on June 12 against Australia.