Weather Afternoon: 8°c Sunny spells Tonight: 5°c Partly Cloudy Night

Sport

Blatter calls crisis meeting

24 Nov 2009


Sepp Blatter has called a crisis meeting of FIFA chiefs following the Republic of Ireland's controversial World Cup exit at the hands of France - but the world governing body are not considering a U-turn over their decision to refuse a replay.

Blatter has called an extraordinary meeting of FIFA's executive committee to deal with the fall-out of the match in Paris where Thierry Henry's obvious handball led to the goal that caused Ireland's defeat in the play-off. The meeting will also deal with the violence sparked by Egypt and Algeria's World Cup play-off and the hundreds of arrests across Europe by officers investigating corruption in football.

It is understood that a replay of the Ireland v France match is not on the cards, with a senior FIFA source telling Press Association Sport: "A replay is impossible - it would be against the rules of football."

But one possible outcome of the meeting could be a proposal to fast-track UEFA's current experiment in the Europa League of having an extra assistant referee behind each goal-line in time for next summer's World Cup finals.

The system is being championed by UEFA president Michel Platini and though it would have to go to the International Football Association Board (IFAB) meeting in March for a vote, any proposal would almost certainly be passed.

Scottish chief executive Gordon Smith, who sits on IFAB along with the three other home nations and FIFA, said: "I've no doubt that Michel Platini will use this incident to push the system and they may now decide to put it to IFAB that they want to have it at the World Cup.

"I feel that it has its advantages at the highest levels of the games. When there's massive TV coverage the problems are highlighted all over the world so this is something we may have to look at."

Blatter is also likely to condemn Henry's action but to stop short of pushing for a suspension for Barcelona's French striker.

The FAI have said they are happy to contribute to the meeting in any way.

The FIFA president will also address the issue of seeding, both for the play-offs - which were criticised by the Republic - and the finals.

Reader views (0)

 Add your view

No comments have so far been submitted.

 

  • Andre Villas-Boas has an impossible job at Chelsea, says Porto president Andre Villas-Boas Andre Villas-Boas' efforts to turn around Chelsea are being damaged by Jose Mourinho's regular contact with the players, it is claimed
  • Chris Powell: racist abuse between players was accepted in my day Chris Powell Exclusive: After high-profile allegations this season, Charlton's manager Chris Powell is pleased the issue is now being...
  • FA long game will only make muddle worse Alf Ramsey Patrick Barclay: According to Graham Taylor, it can take a manager 18 months to adjust from club football to the different...
  • PFA urged John Terry to quit England captaincy for European Championships John Terry Exclusive: John Terry refused a plea from the Professional Footballers' Association to step down as England captain until...
  • Has Arsene Wenger really found a new batch of San Siro heroes? Cesc Fabregas The Champions League clash between Arsenal and AC Milan will determine whether critics are right to question the strength and ability of...
  • Carlos Tevez targets Manchester City return in two weeks Carlos Tevez Carlos Tevez was due to arrive in England this morning determined to win back his place in the Manchester City team and prepared to...
  • Rangers appoint administrators  Craig Whyte Rangers have today appointed administrators Duff and Phelps after a court battle with Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs
  • Nicky Maynard itching to make his West Ham debut against Southampton Nicky Maynard Nicky Maynard is confident that he will be able to score if called upon to make his West Ham debut in the club's top-of-the-table showdown...
  • Ravi Bopara and Steven Finn turn tide to stop tour sliding into a complete disaster Ravi Bopara England have won a match and for their next trick they plan to win a series. Anything is possible now after their victory in the opening...
  • Portsmouth prepare for 10-point penalty Fratton Park Portsmouth are set to go into administration for the second time in two years leaving the club facing a 10-point penalty
  •