FIFA to discuss ‘Hand of Gaul’

THERE still won’t be a rematch but the fallout from Ireland’s controversial World Cup play-off defeat to France has prompted FIFA President Sepp Blatter to call an extraordinary meeting of the governing body’s Executive Committee in Cape Town, South Africa next week.

The FAI have responded to the news by saying they are willing, if required, to make a contribution to FIFA’s deliberations.

Although the FIFA announcement yesterday did not name any game in particular – and also refers to other contentious matters in the football world, including betting irregularities – it is expected that the extraordinary meeting will discuss the ‘Hand of Gaul’ goal, the refereeing of the game by Sweden’s Martin Hansson and the seismic upheaval the ensuing controversy caused in Ireland, France and around the world.