Sportspeak understands that FIFA are still awaiting the Irish appeal to get a replay against France after the French shamefully claimed an undeserved draw to qualify for the World Cup. Sportspeak has also learned that the Irish Sports Minister will be appealing to FIFA and the FFF to force a replay. It now seems that only if the villain of the piece Thierry Henry petitions for a replay that the governing body may consider it. The Irish nation would probably feel less aggrieved if FIFA banned the French skipper from next summers finals which would restore some faith in FIFA’s Fair Play campaign which is tarnished forever if the powers that be choose to ignore such blatant cheating.
Former irish International and Dublin Football star Kevin Moran has called for the nation to “Move on and accept the result, it’s over.” Moran was speaking to RTE’s Primetime programme where he also called for video technology while admitting that he thought it too expensive for FIFA to roll out Worldwide.
Former Irish boss Eoin Hand, now a radio commentator for Ireland’s national broadcaster, said that FIFA should take action against Thierry Henry to set an example. He pointed out that FIFA have spent the last few years promoting fair play without actually demonstrating that they were prepared to clamp down on the cheats. Both Moran and Hand agreed that the Barcelona star should face sanctions from the game’s governing body to “set an example” to the World’s youngsters that cheating is not the way to win. The two further agreed that the huge sums of money in World sport had led to a more cynical attitude to winning matches. Hand likened Henry’s actions to “Taking drugs & competing, or getting in your car after a drink and blaming the police for not stopping you”.
The row is likely to escalate over the next few days but it’s looking like the French will get away with it despite the World watching, no doubt most will shrug their shoulders and say “What do you expect?”. There are vested interests in sport and a small nation like Ireland doesn’t matter- that’s the message from FIFA and that’s unlikely to change any day soon.
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