Fifa Calls Emergency Meeting
World football governing body FIFA has called for an extraordinary general meeting in December to discuss recent high-profile incidents at the World Cup play-offs.
It is likely Thierry Henry’s handball during the Republic of Ireland-France match will be discussed, though a replay has already been ruled out.
However, the idea of having an extra referee’s assistant behind each goal, as is the case in the Europa League, might well be discussed.
The system is being championed by UEFA president Michel Platini and would have to be approved by the International Football Association Board before it could be brought into the World Cup.
Aside from the row over Henry’s handball, crowd trouble before, during and after Algeria’s victory over Egypt could also come under discussion at the FIFA meeting.
FIFA is also keen to discuss football betting irregularities and issues surrounding refereeing in matches.
Apart from the incidents in the play-offs, the Iraqi football association has also been suspended for government interference and 17 people arrested in connection with allegations of match-fixing in 200 games in nine different European countries.
The meeting will take place on Wednesday next week in Cape Town, when executive committee members are already due for a meeting to discuss the seedings for next year’s World Cup. The draw will be held two days later.
