Fifa today announced that France striker Thierry Henry will not be punished for his handball in last November’s World Cup qualification play-off against the Republic of Ireland. The world governing body’s disciplinary committee concluded there was “no legal foundation” for them to deal with the case.
The decision means Henry will not face a ban for any matches of this summer’s World Cup finals.
Fifa said in a statement: “The disciplinary committee reached the conclusion that there was no legal foundation for the committee to consider the case because handling the ball cannot be regarded as a serious infringement as stipulated in article 77a) of the Fifa disciplinary code.
“There is no other legal text that would allow the committee to impose sanctions for any incidents missed by match officials.”
Henry’s handball in the run-up to William Gallas’s decisive goal in the World Cup play-off qualifier ended Ireland’s dreams of qualifying for the finals in South Africa.
The FAI were infuriated by the goal and demanded a replay, before suggesting being allowed go to the World Cup as a 33rd team.
Fifa dismissed their demands but did agree to have another look at the possibility of using video evidence in the future, and instructed the disciplinary committee to investigate possible action against the 32-year-old former Arsenal player.
Henry’s defence today argued successfully that Fifa’s disciplinary code does not give the committee the ability to punish such incidents.
Under current rules, only the illegal use of a hand to prevent a goal being scored is covered in relation to possible sanctions.
The FAI declined to comment this evening and no statement is expected on the decision.
However, Ireland defender Seán St Ledger believes the Frenchman should have been punished, arguing today that if Fifa had the power to seed the qualifiers at the last minute, they should be able to take action against Henry.
"Obviously I don't want players to get banned, I'm not a fan of that," he told BBC Radio Five Live. "But (the decision) promotes 'if you can get away with it, do it'.
“I’ve seen (the incident) again today and I still think he intentionally, the second time, handballed it. I still feel a bit hurt from it.”
He added: “They said they’ve got no legal foundation but they still had the power to change the rules and introduce the seedings.
“I think if they’ve got that kind of power to change that rule I don’t understand why they haven’t got the power to make a ruling here.
“It’s confusing but at the same time not surprising.
“It won’t surprise me if France go on and win the World Cup.”