Henry could face FIFA sanction

Thierry Henry could miss the start of next summer's World Cup finals after FIFA announced they will refer his infamous handball to their disciplinary committee.

The incident involving the France striker in the World Cup play-off against the Republic of Ireland was the subject of detailed discussion in an emergency meeting of the FIFA executive committee in Cape Town on Wednesday.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter told a news conference: "The disciplinary will open a case on the behaviour of the player Thierry Henry."

Asked why FIFA were making a special case of Henry, he added: "This is a matter of the disciplinary committee and it's not a question of this player or another - it was a blatant unfair playing and was shown all around the world, but I don't know what the outcome will be."

Blatter insisted that there was no certainty Henry would be banned.

He said: "I have not said that Thierry Henry will be punished, I have said that Thierry Henry will be examined by the disciplinary committee of FIFA."

Blatter also revealed the Football Association of Ireland had withdrawn their bid to be included as a 33rd country in the World Cup and apologised for his comments earlier this week suggesting it had not been considered seriously.

"We have received a letter from the FAI withdrawing their demand to be accepted as team number 33.

"I would like to express my regrets to a wrong interpretation of what I said and to the FAI I'm sorry about the headlines going around the world. I have nothing against the Irish, they were very sporting when they came to FIFA."