Cold comfort for FAI

THERE’S no sign of a thaw in the big freeze in relations between the FAI and FIFA after John Delaney branded Sepp Blatter an “embarrassment” and revealed that an offer of a Fair Play gong – due to be presented at last night’s World Player of the Year bash in Zurich – had been turned down.

The special award concept was floated as compensation for Ireland’s controversial defeat to France in November’s World Cup play-off but the FAI decided not even to attend last night’s ceremony.

Instead, Chief Executive John Delaney did not mince his words in describing FIFA President Blatter’s behaviour in the aftermath of Thierry Henry’s notorious ‘Hand of Gaul’.