FIFA Chief Speaks to Henry on Phone to Discuss Handball

Sunday, 29th November 2009

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has held talks with France striker Thierry Henry on the phone, according to L’Equipe. Henry, who has been widely criticised for his handball, which led to Ireland being defeated in their World Cup playoff, explained to Blatter that he had certainly used his hand.

Blatter however does not seem to have condemned Henry and suggested that the referee should have indeed acted a little differently. The FIFA president is quoted as saying: "In the case of Henry, the referee could have taken the time to think rather than giving an immediate goal."

There has been some suggestion that Henry could yet face retrospective punishment, but as the days and weeks pass this is looking more and more unlikely.

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