The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights believes football is behind the times and must "catch up" with modern society on social issues.
Navi Pillay, who grew up and worked as a lawyer in Apartheid South Africa, is also concerned women remain severely under-represented within the game.
She said: "It is time for football to catch up with 21st century values of respecting diversity."
And she added football "has to respect human rights law".
Speaking to BBC Sport at her office in Geneva, the former international criminal court judge, who hosted a panel discussion on racism and sport with AC Milan's Kevin-Prince Boateng on Thursday, believes football must move with the times on issues such as accepting gay players, combating racism and promoting the role of women.