Ireland participation 'impossible' says FIFA

FIFA dashed any lingering Irish hopes of playing in next year's World Cup finals yesterday by declaring it would be impossible to add a 33rd team to the tournament. FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke told a news conference three days before the draw...

FIFA dashed any lingering Irish hopes of playing in next year's World Cup finals yesterday by declaring it would be impossible to add a 33rd team to the tournament.

FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke told a news conference three days before the draw for the finals in South Africa that Ireland should not entertain hopes of being given an extra place because of France's controversial handball goal against them.

"I wouldn't say it's a nonsense but it is impossible," he said.

"There's no hope to give that there will be any more than 32 teams at the World Cup in South Africa."

FIFA president Sepp Blatter revealed on Monday that Ireland had requested a place at the finals in addition to the 32 qualified teams because they felt cheated by Thierry Henry's controversial goal for France in their play-off match.

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