Thierry Henry Handball: Ireland Want Extra World Cup Place

FIFA has revealed that the Republic of Ireland now want to be given an extra place at the World Cup 2010 after their playoff defeat.

The Republic controversially lost to an extra-time goal when France captain Thierry Henry handled the ball in the build-up.

The offence was missed by both the referee and his assistant, and the goal stood, with France winning 2-1 on aggregate to seal a place in South Africa next summer.

The Republic has already failed in an attempt to have the game replayed, despite Henry and others admitting that it would be fairest thing to do.

However, their latest bid to receive justice could also affect Costa Rica, who felt they were robbed of a place when Uruguay scored an offside goal, meaning the Central American country should also be considered for an extra place.

Thankfully, the Republic's request looks set to be turned down.

Why can't Ireland just accept they're out? The referee didn't see it, couldn't call a foul, and retrospectively, the game should not be replayed.

If we take precedence from this, it will happen more and more. Hundreds of games around the world will be replayed because a referee didn't see a foul being committed, which changed the game.

What if the referee fails to send someone off and that player goes on to score, or sets up a goal, or prevents a goal being conceded? Does that mean there is justification for the losing team to ask for the game to be replayed, or for them to be awarded points, or qualify for a competition?

The entire situation is beyond ridiculous now, but we know that the Irish don't take "No" for an answer (as witnessed when the Irish were told to vote again on the Lisbon Treaty)!

We don't need replayed games where one side feels they were suffered an injustice, we need better support for the match officials.

You can look around the world at a number of other sports to see how video technology and additional officials make a game fairer. Sadly, football has been very slow on the uptake of both.

That's what FIFA needs to be focusing on, and not pressure from the Football Association of Ireland and the Irish media.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter is exacerbating the situation further by even considering their request.

An extraordinary meeting of FIFA's Executive Committee goes ahead in Cape Town on Wednesday ahead of the draw on Friday, and Blatter is to mention the Irish request, as well as the possibility of extra officials (as trialled in this season's Europa League) and an introduction of video technology.

If the Executive Committee recommends the proposals to bring in the extra officials, it will go to the International FA Board's annual meeting in March for final approval.

That's several more days of everyone having a say on the latest developments, how it's unfair that cheating exists in the game, and that everyone is hard done to.

Get over yourself! At the moment, the referee's decision is final. Until that rule is changed, you're going to have to live with it. If you can't, either shut up complaining about it or leave the sport.