The NBA has backing in Europe for its life ban of Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling, with FIFA president Sepp Blatter among those declaring full support.

Blatter tweeted: ''Sport says no to racism. I fully support (at)NBA's decision.''

UEFA says president Michel Platini also approves of the ban.

Patrick Vieira, a 1998 World Cup champion with France, tweeted: ''Well done to (at)NBA, another organisation dealing with racism in exactly the right way. I say again - zero tolerance.''

Issuing about the strongest rebuke he could, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver banned Sterling for life on Tuesday for making racist comments in a recorded conversation. Silver also fined Sterling $2.5 million.

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