November 25 – John Delaney, the chief executive of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), tonight claimed that FIFA President Sepp Blatter had deliberately avoided getting involved in the debate over Thierry Henry’s handball (pictured) because he did not having to make a tough decision.
Delaney claimed that the FAI has not spoken to anybody FIFA since the World Cup play-off against France in Paris eight days ago, only receiving correspondence through letters and press releases.
The FAI will now present their views to FIFA on the incident before the Emergency General Meeting in Cape Town on December 2, with Delaney expressing hope that it will be more than just a “token” gesture.
Delaney said: ”Sometimes I feel when there are nice presentations to be made, these people come out but when there are tough decisions – like this one – they don’t.
“It was disappointing that FIFA didn’t come out publicly since last Wednesday.
“I’d have more faith in UEFA.
“I’ve always had more faith in UEFA, and that’s not being individually critical of anyone in FIFA, but I’m not too sure whether they get it really at the end of the day – just how much of an impact these events have.
“There was nobody from FIFA available to speak since last Wednesday, we heard nothing.”
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