Brady blasts Blatter as World Cup door slams shut

THE FAI has said that it is fully supportive of Ireland Assistant Manager Liam Brady’s withering criticism of FIFA President Sepp Blatter, even as a spokesperson for the world football governing body has confirmed what everyone already knew to be the case – Ireland will not be taking part in the World Cup finals in South Africa next summer.

Responding to Blatter’s jocular presentation at a press conference on Monday of the FAI’s bid for an extra place for Ireland at the World Cup finals, Brady yesterday described the man commonly regarded as the most powerful figure in world football as “a bit of a loose cannon” and “an embarrassment to FIFA”.

During the course of a meeting with the FIFA President in Zurich last Friday, an FAI delegation led by Chief Executive John Delaney had asked for a 33rd place at the World Cup finals to be considered in the light of the hugely controversial nature of Ireland’s play-off defeat to France.