Calls for investigation into 'arbitrary' FIFA payment to Ireland

Calls have been made for an investigation into “arbitrary” FIFA payments after the world governing body admitted paying the Football Association of Ireland US $5 million as compensation for the infamous Thierry Henry handball in a World Cup play-off.

France beat Ireland in the 2009 play-off 2-1 on aggregate – with France’s extra-time decider in the second leg owing much to an Henry handball in the build-up – which led to the FAI threatening legal action after missing out on the 2010 World Cup.