Cristiano Ronaldo's Sarcastic Reply Forces Embarrassing Sepp Blatter Apology

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has apologised to Real Madrid and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo over comments made at the Oxford Union on Friday, which prompted Ronaldo to take to Twitter to voice his discontent.

Blatter, who is no stranger to controversy, both commented that he preferred Lionel Messi to the Real Madrid star and mimicked Ronaldo in a question about the 2013 Ballon d'Or:

His comments prompted an angry Ronaldo to comment via Twitter and his official Facebook page:

This video shows clearly the respect and consideration that FIFA has for me, for my club and my country. Much is explained now. I wish Mr. Blatter health and a long life, with the certainty that he will continue to witness, as he deserves, the successes of his favourite teams and players.

The outburst prompted a quick apology from Blatter, who insisted the comments were made in jest, but the issue yet again raises questions over his suitability to front an organisation of FIFA's international importance.

The part of Blatter's speech that caused offence can be seen in the transcript and video below, per Pete Jenson of the Daily Mail:

The other one (Ronaldo) is something else. He is like a commander on the field of play. (Blatter then mock marches around the stage and receives a round of applause). This is the other side of football and it's good to have commanders on the field. 

They don't have the same attitude and that gives life to football. One has more expenses for the hairdresser than the other but that doesn't matter. 

I can't say who is the best - there will be a contest again this year at the Ballon d'Or. I like both of them, but I prefer Messi.

Given Blatter's importance in football and potential to influence voting in the 2013 Ballon d'Or race, it is easy to see why the Portuguese would be far from content with his comments.

He has been supported by both his club and national federation, with Real Madrid having written to FIFA to demand an apology, while the head of Portugal's FA, Fernando Gomes, commented that the words "show a clear lack of respect both towards Ronaldo and Portugal," per Jenson's article.

The Swiss chief of FIFA later responded:

The debate has rapidly descended into petty squabbles, but the point remains that Blatter's actions are too often unbefitting of a man with his international authority.

As head of FIFA it is certainly not his position to be commenting on the relative merits of two players, while he should certainly not be impersonating a player—regardless of the nature of the occasion.

Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal's responses may appear exaggerated, but it would be understandable for Ronaldo to feel that he is under-appreciated by FIFA given that he has so often finished as runner-up to Argentine Messi.

Blatter will emerge unaffected from this latest affair, as he seemingly always does. Alienating one of football's biggest stars, though, might be one of his biggest mistakes yet.