24 Nov 2009FIFA calls meeting over playoff issues

Football Leagues/ Association and Governance | Football Referees, Players, Managers and Media

Several controversial incidents during the FIFA World Cup qualifying playoffs have prompted FIFA to call an extraordinary general meeting.

The world football governing body's senior figures will meet in South Africa on December 2nd to discuss the fallout from France's disputed winning goal in their qualifying tie with the Republic of Ireland.

Algeria's playoff victory over Egypt, which was marred by major crowd trouble before and after the game, is also expected to be on the agenda.

FIFA have already ruled out a replay of the match between France and Ireland, which ended in heartbreak for the Irish after Arsenal's William Gallas scored following a clear handball by Thierry Henry.

"A replay is impossible - it would be against the rules of football," a senior FIFA source told the Press Association.

However, it is thought that expanding the use of an extra referee's assistant behind each goal - currently being trialled in the UEFA Europa League - could be an option for South Africa next summer.

The draw for the 2010 World Cup finals will take place in Cape Town on December 4th.

Written by Tom Jenkins

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