FAI renews appeal to FFF

The FAI have turned-up the pressure on their French counter-parts to call for a replay of Wednesday’s World Cup play-off. After a board of management meeting this evening, the Association have called on the French Football Federation to follow the example of both Thierry Henry and Robbie Keane and request a replay. The FAI’s appeal has already been turned down by both FIFA and the French FA, while a representative from the Court of Arbitration for Sport has indicated that it is unlikely that it could deal with the matter. In a statement this evening, the board has also confirmed that it replied to FIFA’s response – although it hasn’t elaborated on what they’ve said to the world governing body. Statement from the Board of Management of the Football Association of Ireland: “Following this afternoon’s meeting of its Board of Management, the Football Association of Ireland has called on the French Football Federation, as one of the world’s largest Football Associations, to join with it and the captains of both the French and Irish teams, Thierry Henry and Robbie Keane, to request a replay from FIFA that would protect the integrity of the game worldwide and the pride of the French national team. The Board of Management noted the FFF’s statement that it will comply with whatever FIFA decides and welcomed the French team captain’s statement that a replay would be the fairest solution. Lastly, the FAI’s Board of management noted FIFA’s earlier response on the issue and has sent a separate reply to that body.”