Spain coach Luis Aragones has apologised for racist comments directed at Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, as it emerged today that anti-racism campaigners are to make an official complaint to FIFA.

Aragones was picked up by TV microphones trying to motivate Jose Antonio Reyes by telling the Spanish striker he was better than "that black s***" Henry.

But in a statement he said: "I want to clarify that I never intended to offend anyone, and for that reason I have a very easy conscience.

"As part of that job, I use colloquial language, with which we can all understand each other within the football world.

"I can only apologise to the people who may have been offended, reiterating that it was never my intention to belittle anyone."

FIFA says it cannot take action against Aragones based on media reports. Officials need an official complaint from Henry, the French federation, or another party.

Piara Powar, director of the "Let's Kick Racism Out of Football" campaign, said he was in the process of obtaining TV footage of the incident and will be lodging a complaint.

He added: "We will say to FIFA: 'Look at this. We think there is enough evidence to investigate'."