France says ‘Non’
In a statement from their headquarters in Paris, the FFF said: “In relation to the numerous reactions registered since Wednesday evening in Ireland and in France, the FFF would like to make the three following comments:
1. “The FFF understands the disappointment and bitterness of Irish players, management and supporters. It has never sought to deny the refereeing mistake that allowed the French equalising goal to stand. From the end of the match – and because in the past French football has itself suffered from events of a similar nature – the directors of the FFF expressed their regret and sympathy to their Irish counterparts.
2. “The captain of the French team Thierry Henry spontaneously admitted that he handled the ball. He did so after the end of the game to Irish players and the referee and then to the media. This frankness and honesty correspond to an exemplary career that he has fulfilled in all his clubs as well as with the national team. In view of the pressure he is being subjected to, the French Football Federation gives him their full support.”
3. “The FAI asked FIFA yesterday if the match might be replayed. FIFA rejected this request by referring back to the Laws of the Game that govern all football matches. (These state that) the decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play, including whether or not a goal is scored and the result of the match, are final. As a consequence of this, the result of the match cannot be altered and the match cannot be replayed.”
The statement concluded by saying that both football associations would have to abide by the FIFA decision.
The FAI appeal came after Henry had declared that a replay would be a fair solution, as the controversy over his handball in the decisive goal in Paris on Saturday rumbled on. Henry’s comments were followed by a statement released by the FAI from Irish captain Robbie Keane.
Keane said: “On behalf of the Republic of Ireland players, I would like to thank Thierry Henry for his statement that in his opinion a replay would be the fairest option. To make such a statement took courage and honour, and all of us recognise that.
“As captain of the Republic of Ireland team, I would also be happy for a replay to happen in the interest of fair play so that whichever team qualifies can do so with their heads held high. We can only hope that the French Football Federation might accept the wishes of both captains in the best interests of the game.”
Following a meeting of its board of management yesterday afternoon, the FAI then issued its final appeal.
“The Football Association of Ireland has called on the French Football Federation to join with it and the captains of both the French and Irish teams to request a replay from FIFA that would protect the integrity of the game worldwide and the pride of the French national team.
“The board of management noted the FFF’s statement that it will comply with whatever FIFA decides and welcomed the French team captain’s statement that a replay would be the fairest solution. Lastly, the FAI’s board of management noted FIFA’s earlier response on the issue and has sent a separate reply.”
However, that response from football’s world governing body had already ruled out any hope of a replay, effectively letting the FFF off the hook. In its’ statement, FIFA said: “The result of the match cannot be changed and the match cannot be replayed. As is clearly mentioned in the Laws of the Game, during matches, decisions are taken by the referee and these decisions are final.”
Speaking on Setanta Sports after issuing their appeal to the French, FAI chief executive John Delaney said: “We had to ask the question. It was cheating, there’s no other word for it. Thierry Henry can play in the opening game of the World Cup – that can’t be right. There should be a retrospective penalty imposed on a player whose action in a match is a defining one. Players need to know that they will be dealt with after the game. I hold a position where I can make that case, particularly within UEFA.”
Asked if the FAI would consider taking their case to the Court of Arbitration in Sport (CAS), Delaney replied: “I think that would be a big call. I’d like to get the views of the players, the senior manager and the board before we talk about that.”
However, Stephen Townley, a London lawyer who also acts as an arbitrator for CAS, said the court would not be able to become involved.
French Football Federation President Jean-Pierre Escallettes has praised the Irish for showing dignity in defeat, appearing to overlook some of the visitors’ more barbed comments.
“I greatly admired the qualities of the Irish, both in terms of the way they played the game and also their attitude at the end,” he said. “They were very dignified. I was impressed to hear some of their players wish ours good luck. At a moment like that, it’s a really big, generous attitude. They are a great footballing nation!”
Meanwhile, on the back of the latest FIFA world rankings and despite going unbeaten through their World Cup qualification campaign proper – Ireland will still only be third seeds when the Euro 2012 qualifying draw takes place in Warsaw next February.
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