International sport is much more than a game

THERE are those who say “come on – it was only a game.”

No it was not “just a game” – sport is a very powerful way of representing a nation’s values and culture – be it a game at children’s level or the international level.

FIFA and the FAI cannot allow this issue to go without some repercussions against the French team or some recourse for Ireland’s grievance.

If they do nothing to rectify the injustice, FIFA and the FAI will be held in less respect then they presently are. When FIFA introduced the new seeding to decide the play-offs the FAI should have said we will not participate under this fraudulent seeding proposal. It is now too late for this, but it is not too late to correct the injustice that has resulted because of a cheating player.

Vincent J. Lavery

Coliemore Road

Dalkey

Co Dublin