FAI requests extra place at finals

Soccer:The Football Association of Ireland has appealed to Fifa to be included in the World Cup finals as an extra team following Ireland's controversial play-off exit to France. Ireland lost to an extra-time goal in Paris scored by William Gallas after Thierry Henry blatantly handled the ball in the build-up.

Speaking in South Africa, Fifa president Sepp Blatter said today that the FAI had canvassed the organaistion for an additional place in the finals.

"We received a delegation from Ireland at Fifa and they were naturally absolutely unhappy at what has happened. They know the match cannot be replayed and the decision of the referee is final," Blatter said.

"Naturally they have not asked for any sanctions to be given to any player or the referee, but they have asked, very humbly 'can't we be team number 33 at the World Cup? They have asked for that, really.

"I will bring it to the attention of the executive committee. I cannot confirm what will happen, but I will report it to the executive committee."

Blatter said that Fifa's executive committee would consider Ireland's appeal when they held their extra-ordinary meeting in Cape Town on Wednesday.

In a brief statement, the FAI confirmed it had met with Blatter last week and put forward a case for inclusion at the World Cup.

“A lot was discussed at the meeting and at one stage the FAI asked if Ireland could be accommodated into the World Cup 2010,” the statement explained.

“Other suggestions were also made to mitigate against further occurrences of such incidents, including the use of additional goal line assistant referees for Fifa international matches, further use of video technology for matches at the highest level, stronger provisions to discourage players from engaging in such blatant breaches of the laws of the game and provisions to strengthen referee selection for such important matches.

Blatter gave the broadest hint yet the use of two extra officials behind the goal, currently being trialled in the Europa League, could be introduced in time for the World Cup.

“It’s possible we will make additional officials for the World Cup but we have to see if it is feasible or realistic. Something has to be done in terms of match control.”

If Wednesday’s meeting gives this the green light for any rule change, it will have to go the International FA Board’s annual meeting in March for final approval.

“How can it happen that all over the world, through TV cameras, we have seen through a cheating handball that a pass was given for a goal?” said Blatter. “Everyone is asking what is and what isn’t fair play. The highest crime in football is touching the ball with the hands.”