Fifa may ban Thierry Henry at World Cup

Football’s governing body have opted to maintain the system of one referee with two assistants and a fourth official for the finals.

However, they will open an inquiry into whether to bring in technology or have extra officials.

The proposal was discussed in the wake of last month’s controversial play-off between France and the Republic of Ireland, won by France with a goal which stemmed directly from a Thierry Henry handball which went unpunished by the officials.

And today Fifa also announced they will refer Henry’s infamous handball to their disciplinary committee, meaning the France captain could miss the start of next summer’s tournament.

Fifa president Sepp Blatter told a news conference in Cape Town: ‘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.’