FIFA Allows Cheats to Prosper

FIFA has disproved the theory that cheats never prosper.

World football's governing body has refused to punish France striker Thierry Henry after his blatant handball in November's World Cup qualification playoff against the Republic of Ireland.

Henry's actions in the build up to William Gallas' decisive goal in the game in Paris effectively ended Ireland's dream of qualifying for the finals in South Africa.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter referred Henry's case to the disciplinary committee last month, saying it was "blatant unfair play", but the player has not been punished and will be available for all of France's matches at the World Cup finals.

It's a baffling outcome when you consider rule one of FIFA's Fair Play Code which states: "Winning is without value if victory has been achieved unfairly or dishonestly. Cheating is easy, but brings no pleasure.

"Playing fair requires courage and character. It is also more satisfying. Fair play always has its reward, even when the game is lost.

"Playing fair earns respect, while cheating only brings shame. Remember: it is only a game. And games are pointless unless played fairly.''

Why draw up a Fair Play Code if you then refuse to implement it and conclude there was "no legal foundation" to deal with a situation, as has happened in this case?

Football's governing body could be accused of lacking the courage needed to put its own principles into practice.

There's no doubt that the saga will have left a sour taste in many people's mouths after all, in FIFA's own words, "games are pointless unless played fairly".

However, having one of their best players available will no doubt boost France's World Cup chances.

In other sports news, a number of trial races for the Cheltenham Festival have been run lately as the build up to the event gets underway.