Fifa to discuss Ireland's world cup exit

Fifa president Sepp Blatter has called an extraordinary meeting of the world governing body’s executive committee in response…

Fifa president Sepp Blatter has called an extraordinary meeting of the world governing body’s executive committee in response to the Republic of Ireland’s controversial defeat by France in the World Cup play-offs.

The meeting has also been called in response to the hundreds of arrests across Europe by officers investigating corruption in football.

A statement from Fifa this afternoon read: "Due to recent events in the world of football, namely incidents at the play-offs for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa match control (refereeing) and irregularities in the football betting market, the FIFA President has called an extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee.

The extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee will take place in Cape Town on 2 December 2009, starting at 15.00".

Calls for the introduction of video replays have grown since Thierry Henry's double handball in the lead-up to William Gallas's deciding goal in extra time at the Stade de France, while the performance of the Swedish match officials will come under scrutiny.

Fifa have already ruled out a replay of the tie after requests from the FAI and Henry admitting that it would be "the fairest solution".

The FAI confirmed they have received Fifa's press release and await further notification of whether they are needed to contribute to the meeting.

In a short statement, the FAI said: "Should we be asked to make any contribution, the FAI would be happy to do so for the improvement of the game".