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Sepp Blatter rejects Ireland’s World Cup ‘team No33’ plea
Marco Giacomelli30.11.09
The Republic of Ireland asked to be included in the World Cup finals as an extra team following their controversial play-off exit against France.
The Football Association of Ireland made the remarkable plea in the wake of Thierry Henry handling the ball in the build-up to William Gallas's decisive goal in the World Cup play-off two weeks ago.
And although FIFA president Sepp Blatter has ruled out the Republic being added to South Africa 2010 as team 33, he said their appeal would be raised at the governing body's extraordinary executive committee meeting in Cape Town on Wednesday. Speaking at the Soccerex conference in Johannesburg today, Blatter said the play-off system must be examined.
“On one match it is decided if you are in or out and this is not the spirit behind this World Cup,” said Blatter. “We must have a look at this. There is so much at stake.”
With calls for a replay being turned down, Blatter revealed the FAI had subsequently requested to be included as an extra country at the World Cup.
“Naturally they were unhappy with what happened and asked very humbly whether they could be team No33,” said Blatter. “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.”
The central American side believe they too were eliminated unfairly — this time by an offside goal scored by Uruguay — but Blatter's tone suggested it was inconceivable FIFA would add any countries to the 32-team finals.
The FAI later confirmed the issue was raised with Blatter in Switzerland last week. They said: “A lot was discussed at the meeting and at one stage we asked if Ireland could be accommodated into the World Cup 2010.”
Blatter also gave the broadest hint yet that the use of two extra officials behind the goal, currently being trialled in the Europa League, could be introduced for the World Cup. He said: “Something has to be done in terms of match control.”
Any rule change would have to go to the International FA Board's meeting in March for approval.
Blatter added: “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? Everyone is asking what is and isn't fair play. The highest crime in football is touching the ball with the hands.”
Reader views (9)
I really dont understand why some people are using the Henry incident to 'Paddy Bash'. I see some press reports in England speaking about Ireland as if we are playing the martyr. If we seek fair play we are displaying victimhood and if we cower dpwn and say nothing I suppose we have an inferiority complex. The fact is that Ireland got out from a group containing the world champions and were undefeated. The mighty French had to cheat to beat us! Fifa is condoning and rewarding cheating by not allowing a replay (there is no gaurantee we would win it). Now they will not let us in as an extra team. Yes our request was unprecedented but the Irish are taking a stand and its not all for selfish reasons. Change will come about because of all this furore created by loyal, well behaved Irish fans. That change may well be for the good of the game as a whole. It may even be of benefit to England and other teams which experience 'hand of god' incidents in the future. True soccer fans should appreciate what the Irish are trying to do. Those truely wise in football matters should know that when the Irish fight for the fairplay that Fifa likes to boast about its for the benefit and interests of all.
Ps......YOUR WELCOME!!!
- John Doyle, Enniscorthy, Wexford
Keith Price talks about the Irish wanting to change the rules of football. However, he seems to want to change the rules of the English language; "because" has two 'e's, Keith, and sentences end with a full stop.
- Jane, London
Who do the Irish think they are wanting to change the rules just becaus of a disputed goal ! Goals get disputed every week, even World Cup ones
- Keith Price, Luton, Emgland
ireland deserve to be at the world cup, and i believe sheer persistence to the governing body of world football (FIFA) will pay off, for our top players like Robbie Keane, Damien Duff and Richard Dunne this will be their last chance at the world stage, so FIFA has to revise its decision and have a heart. As for the english national team, it wasnt a very tough group to qualify from so dont be too proud yet as you will stumble once again against a mediocre to top team!!
- Ryan, Derry, Ireland
Colin Stevens,
Since when has the Republic of Ireland been one of the home nations?
I'm not sure why they seem to be getting so many column inches in the English press as most people I talk to don't care.
- Mark, South-East London
Regarding the so called bleating of the FAI, that is what they are there for - to argue the case of the irish team. They are exploring all options. At least they've made the effort, even if their cause falls on deaf ears. If the French can get there by the back door, it is entirely reasonable for the irish to seek to do the same. FIFA are acting entirely without principle and entirely with self-interest so it is reasonble that the Irish should act entirely in their own interests as well.
- Jonathan Warburton, London
As much as I would like all the home nations at the World Cup, I would not want any of them get there on their knee to Blatter or the other one!!
- Colin Stevens, Farmington, USA
Stop your bleating FAI we have been cheated out of world cup final places before move on grow up stop playing the martyr. The big bad world doesn't actually care about anybody its not that they hate you.
- Duncan, Kent
What makes Ireland different from all the other countries who have been short changed by a poor refereeing decision.
i suppose if they are happy to get to the world cup finals through the back door then it is up to them. Unlike us English who qualified top of our group!
- Jonny, London
