PARIS (LinkParis.com) – If you think American politicians can be stubborn you’ve never met soccer’s world governing body, FIFA. The stodgy, old-school organization has rejected calls for a rematch between France and Ireland after France superstar striker Thierry Henry “stole” a World Cup spot from the Irish on Wednesday night.
Swedish referee Martin Hansson denies the Irish a World Cup berth.
Mr. Henry, by all accounts an honorable player who was once the FIFA player of the year, had this to say about the encounter:
I have said at the time and I will say again that yes I handled the ball, I am not a cheat and never have been. It was an instinctive reaction to a ball that was coming extremely fast in a crowded penalty area. I have never denied that the ball was controlled with my hand. I told the Irish players, the referee and the media this after the game. Naturally, I feel embarrassed at the way that we won and feel extremely sorry for the Irish who definitely deserve to be in South Africa. There is little more I can do apart from admit that the ball had contact with my hand leading up to our equalizing goal and I feel very sorry for the Irish.
The Football Association of Ireland made a request for a rematch that was roundly rejected by FIFA. The organization should reconsider. It’s good for soccer, FIFA, France and maybe Ireland. If somehow a rematch does take place we predict a 2-1 win for France.
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