Are the Irish set to be given their World Cup chance?

The footballing world was outraged when France forward Thierry Henry used his hand to set up William Gallas’ goal against the Republic of Ireland in their World Cup play-off. Gallas’ extra time goal in the second leg resulted in Ireland’s elimination, while Henry was well and truly branded with the cheat tag.

For a while it looked as if Ireland’s hopes of taking a place in South Africa next summer. They asked FIFA if the match could be replayed – they said no. Henry himself said the match should be replayed, albeit after the governing body had said that would not happen, while French team-mate Patrice Evra was so confident nothing would happen he offered to replay the match any time the Irish wanted – on the Playstation.

With UEFA president (and Frenchman) Michel Platini and FIFA president Sepp Blatter remaining quiet, until now, on the matter it looked as if Ireland’s hopes were well and truly over. However, Blatter has now revealed the issue of Ireland’s possible participation will be discussed when an ‘extraordinary executive committee’ takes place on Wednesday.

This is what Blatter has had to say: “Naturally they were unhappy with what happened and asked very humbly whether they could be team number 33, I will bring it to the attention of the executive committee but if we do that, we will also have to bring in Costa Rica.”

From that brief statement it would appear Ireland have a chance of being involved next summer. Will we then have 34 teams? As Costa Rica would also have to be included according to Blatter. That goal was one of the most disgusting things I’ve ever seen in football – and I watch a lot of football. Though I don’t necessarily hold it against Henry (after all – what would you do for the chance to play in a World Cup? I’d probably sell my own mother). I thought it was a travesty when the Irish weren’t given a second chance to take on the French, but that could all be forgotten if FIFA allow Ireland to participate anyway.

Written by Gareth Freeman, a sports writer promoting horse racing Ireland and racing tips for today for Betfair.

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