30-11-2009, 12:37 PM
New developments in this
Quote:Fifa president Sepp Blatter has confirmed Republic of Ireland have requested the World Cup be expanded to facilitate their inclusion.
Ireland missed out on a place in South Africa next summer following Thierry Henry's now infamous handball in their play-off qualifier.
Henry controlled the ball with his hand before crossing for William Gallas to score and help France secure a 2-1 aggregate success in Paris.
With a replay out of the question Blatter has revealed that Ireland have yet to give up hope of featuring in the prestigious tournament.
However, Blatter says that Costa Rica would also then have to be included as they felt they were undone by an offside goal against Uruguay.
"We received a delegation from Ireland and they were naturally absolutely unhappy at what has happened," explained Blatter. "They know the match cannot be replayed and the decision of the referee is final.
"Naturally they have not asked for any sanctions to be given to any player or the referee, but they have asked, very humbly 'can't we be team No.33 at the World Cup? They have asked for that, really.
"I will bring it to the attention of the executive committee but if we do that, we will also have to bring in Costa Rica."