METRO FREE Friday, November 20, 2009 Fifa accused of being a deeply suspect organisation Handball Henry is under fire in a war of wordsHands up those who cheated: Thierry Henry, with giant-sized hand, as he is depicted on the internet following his handball (inset) Reaction across the world: See Pages 2-3 and Sport THE fallout over that goal reverberated in the upper echelons of Irish and French politics yesterday as both countries looked to be on a diplomatic collision course. Speaking from Brussels, Taoiseach Brian Cowen backed calls for the game to be re- played, saying he would raise the issue with French president Nicolas Sarkozy. But his French counterpart, Francois Fillon, said the government should keep its nose out of footballing matters. Neither the French government nor the Irish government should interfere in the functioning of the international federation [Fifa], the prime minister said. On Wednesday night, Ireland lost a crucial World Cup play-off against France when the deciding goal created by a blatant Thierry Henry handball was allowed to stand. Back home, anger over the controversial de- feat in Paris hit the floor of the Dil, with poli- ticians rounding on footballs governing body Fifa. AfterJusticeMinisterDermotAhernweighed in, calling for a replay, the Opposition accused Fifa bosses of airbrushing Thierry Henrys blatant handball out of history. The organisations official online match re- port made no reference to it. Fine Gaels Alan Shatter launched the fierc- est attack questioning the integrity of Fifa. Fifa, to its absolute shame, on its website ig- nores the incident, he said. Theres no men- tion of Thierry Henry or handling of balls. Its been airbrushed off the record. This is a deeply suspect organisation in the manner in which it does its business and its time there was EU regulation of football, not just as a major interest to people across Europe but as a major commercial enterprise. The outrage was mirrored across the political spectrum, with several TDs, councillors and senators calling on the Football Association of Ireland to push for a replay and for the French footballing authorities to offer one. Senator Lisa McDonald even outlined a case for legal action against Fifa over negligence. FAI chief John Delaney yesterday wrote to Fifa to demand the match be replayed. Now dubbed Le Hand, Barcelona star Henry confessed to using his arm to control the ball before squaring for team-mate Wil- liam Gallas to finish. Mr Ahern, a passionate soccer fan, was the first to publicly call for the replay. They probably wont grant it as we are min- nows in world football but lets put them on the spot, he said. Its the least we owe the thousands of devas- tated young fans around the country. Otherwise, if that result remains, it reinforc- es the view that if you cheat, you will win. By Ross McDonagH MOVIES REVIEWEDMetroLife: Page 14 index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html