Xinhua News Agency, Dublin (Reporter Huang Yongshun) - The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) yesterday submitted a letter to FIFA requesting a replay of the World Cup playoff match between the Irish and French national teams. Henry's handball has caused nationwide outrage in Ireland. The Prime Minister wants to discuss this matter with the French President, and fans are planning to protest in front of the French Embassy.
The FIFA stated that they have received the formal request from the Football Association of Ireland for a rematch and are currently reviewing the FAI’s requirements. Ireland is indignant about Henry's handball which eliminated their team from the World Cup. Newspaper headlines read “French Cheats” and “Toad’s Hand.”
The FAI's Chief Executive Delaney said: “Every time I attend FIFA meetings, all I hear are grand talks about fair play. But actions speak louder than words, and I hope to see real action. Now it depends on the attitude of FIFA officials; if they believe in the principle of fair play, then they should take action.”
There have been precedents in international football where matches were replayed due to referee errors. In 2005, FIFA ordered a rematch between Uzbekistan and Bahrain in a World Cup qualifier. However, Italian manager of the Irish team, Trapattoni, does not hold much hope for a rematch. He stated yesterday, “A rematch is almost impossible.”
Delaney believes that only if the French Football Federation also agrees to a rematch will FIFA seriously consider the matter, so he also intends to put pressure on the French Football Federation: “The French Football Federation should bravely admit that the French team's performance yesterday was poor, and the result of the game was unfair.”
Assistant coach of the Irish team, Bradley, and some players are urging the French team to emulate their compatriot Wenger. Arsène Wenger, who manages Arsenal, proposed a rematch after his team won against Sheffield Wednesday in the 1999 English FA Cup with an unfair goal.
The Irish government and parliament are actively supporting the FAI’s stance. Prime Minister Cowen said he would discuss this matter with French President Sarkozy at the upcoming EU summit. Irish Justice Minister Ahern said on Irish radio: “If we accept the result of this match, we are accepting the legitimacy of deception.” Ahern also agreed with the public opinion in Ireland that compared to France, Ireland is a small sports nation, and UEFA President Platini is also French, so FIFA will not look out for Ireland's interests.
The Irish Parliament discussed this match yesterday, stating: “This completely tramples on the spirit of fair play.” Some groups in Ireland are also planning for fans to protest in front of the French Embassy in Ireland tomorrow, bringing “protest signs and voices to the embassy.”
Yesterday’s match outcome once again sparked calls for video replays of controversial moments during games, allowing for more accurate judgments and avoiding wrong calls.
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