02 December 2009
by Jerrad Peters
The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has pledged to investigate Thierry Henry's handball, less than one month after the France striker's illegal assist knocked the Republic of Ireland out of World Cup qualifying. The announcement was made after an emergency gathering of FIFA officials ahead of Friday's World Cup finals draw in Cape Town.
Henry, who twice handled Florent Malouda's free kick before setting up William Gallas' overtime goal, will now be interviewed by FIFA's disciplinary committee, although FIFA president Sepp Blatter would not confirm if the 32-year-old will face suspension if he is found guilty.
"It was a blatant, unfair playing and was shown all around the world," stated Blatter in his Wednesday press conference. "But I don't know what the outcome will be."
Blatter also appealed to players and coaches worldwide to observe fair play in the run-up to the 2010 World Cup, which kicks off June 11 in South Africa. "In 2010 we want to prove that football is more than just kicking a ball, but has a social and cultural value," he said.
As a result of the handball incident, FIFA has also pledged to launch a formal inquiry exploring the benefits of video replay. A parallel investigation will examine the advantages offered by additional linesmen. FIFA had been expected to introduce two additional linesmen to international matches ahead of the World Cup—a model similar to that employed by the Europa League—but opted for the inquiry process instead, likely putting off a decision until after the competition.
Blatter sees the spectre of video replay as a "crossroads" that the governing body and national associations should be prudent in traversing. He has conceded, however, that the game at its highest levels is too difficult for one referee to manage.
Wednesday's meeting also confirmed the process for Friday's group stage draw. The seeding was based on FIFA's October 2009 rankings and will see Brazil, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Argentina, England and hosts South Africa kept apart in the opening round.
The draw will take place in Cape Town's posh Convention Centre on December 4 and will be hosted by Academy Award-winning actress Charlize Theron.
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