Ireland must be given replay or should consider suing FIFA

Alliance Culture, Arts and Leisure Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA has said that the FAI should call for a replay against France to right the wrong which has cost Ireland the chance to play in the World Cup next year. He said that if FIFA does not sanction a replay the FAI should consider suing them for the loss of the revenue they would have gained from playing at the South Africa 2010 World Cup.

Kieran McCarthy MLA said: “This is an absolute scandal. Ireland should be given a replay against France to right the wrongs and show that fair play is the only way. The manner in which Ireland were eliminated simply can be allowed to stand for the good of the sport. This is an exceptional circumstance and it calls for exceptional measures to maintain the credibility of this competition.

“Thierry Henry himself admitted to intentionally handling the ball so FIFA would not find it difficult to prove that wrong was done.

“The FAI should demand a replay in Paris for next week. If FIFA do not agree to this measure the FAI should seriously consider suing them for the revenue lost as a result of missing out on one of the most lucrative events in world sport.

“FIFA should do all they can to show that this type of behaviour will be punished. Sport can only thrive if fair play is protected.”

ENDS