19 Nov 2009FAI demands rematch for FIFA World Cup playoff

Football Leagues/ Association and Governance

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has called for last night's (November 18th) FIFA World Cup qualifying match between France and the Republic of Ireland to be invalidated.

Although the game in Paris finished 1-1, allowing France to secure a place in South Africa with a 2-1 aggregate victory, the result was marred by controversy due to a Thierry Henry handball.

The former Arsenal striker's hand appeared to make deliberate contact with the ball moments before William Gallas scored for France in extra time, but the home side were not penalised by referee Martin Hansson.

"We now call on FIFA, as the world governing body for our sport, to organise for this match to be replayed," the FAI said in a statement.

The organisation urged FIFA to act "on behalf of football fans worldwide" by ordering a replay, thereby ensuring that "the standards of fair play and integrity can be protected".

France won the first leg of the playoff in Dublin 1-0 thanks to a deflected goal from Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka, but Tottenham Hotspur striker Robbie Keane scored to put Ireland back on level terms before the disputed strike from Gallas.

Written by Terry Mitchell

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