FIFA president Blatter apologizes to Irish federation for comments about Henry’s hand ball

Blatter apologizes to Irish for Henry comments

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — FIFA president Sepp Blatter has apologized to the Irish soccer federation for his comments on Ireland’s loss to France in a World Cup playoff.

Blatter had defended Thierry Henry, whose hand ball led to a goal that eliminated Ireland from the World Cup, saying it wasn’t the forward’s responsibility to tell the referee.

The federation also criticized Blatter for making public Ireland’s request to be allowed into the World Cup as an extra team.

Blatter says he’s “sorry about these headlines. It is a pity that it has been communicated in this way. Sorry again.”

The federation wanted Blatter to “issue a clear statement that FIFA does not condone breaches of the laws of the game.”

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — The Irish soccer federation has criticized FIFA president Sepp Blatter’s handling of the fallout from Ireland’s loss to France in a World Cup playoff last month.

France won after Thierry Henry had clearly handled the ball before setting up the decisive goal. Blatter later defended the star forward, saying it was not Henry’s responsibility to tell the referee.

The Irish federation said in a statement that “for a man in Mr. Blatter’s position to empathize with someone who scored a goal by cheating is inappropriate.”

The federation also criticized Blatter for making public Ireland’s request to be allowed into the World Cup as an extra team and added it has withdrawn the request.