Recent Problems Force Fifa to Meet
In response to the recent spate of problems that dogged the recent World Cup play-off matches, football’s governing body Fifa has announced that it will hold an extraordinary general meeting next month to discuss recent difficulties.
High on the agenda is likely to be the handball incident involving France’s Thierry Henry in the France-Republic of Ireland tie that took place in Paris last Wednesday.
Despite requests from the Football Association of Ireland and worldwide condemnation for the act, Fifa were quick to rule out a replay.
Other topics up for discussion should include the crowd trouble that overshadowed Algeria’s 1-0 win over Egypt, betting irregularities and refereeing issues, particularly the notion of extra officials being used behind the goal lines.
Given the high profile nature of the Henry incident, Fifa have come under pressure to ensure a repeat is avoided.
In this season’s Europa League, additional officials have been positioned behind the goal lines to improve refereeing performances.
Uefa President and former French star Michel Platini is firmly behind the idea, although it would have to gain the approval of the International Football Association Board before it could be implemented in the World Cup finals.
The meeting will take place in Cape Town on December 4, two days before the draw for the 2010 finals takes place.