Ireland fiasco on FIFA's extraordinary meeting agenda

Fifa has called an extraordinary meeting of its executive committee following 'incidents at the play-offs for the World Cup, match control (refereeing) and irregularities in the football betting market'.

It has been arranged that members of the world football governing body will gather in Cape Town on 2nd December after the recent play-off matches created a number of talking points.

The meeting has also been called by Fifa president Sepp Blatter in response to hundreds of arrests across Europe by officers investigating corruption in football.

Fifa said in a statement: "Due to recent events in the world of football, namely incidents at the play-offs for the 2010 Fifa World Cup South Africa, match control (refereeing) and irregularities in the football betting market, the Fifa president has called an extraordinary meeting of the executive committee.

"The extraordinary meeting of the executive committee will take place in Cape Town on 2nd December 2009."

Republic of Ireland were eliminated by France, with Thierry Henry causing outrage as he handled the ball in the build-up to William Gallas' extra-time goal which secured a 2-1 aggregate victory for Les Bleus.

The Football Association of Ireland said in a statement: "In relation to this evening's announcement that Fifa president Sepp Blatter has called an extraordinary meeting of the Fifa executive committee to discuss incidents at the play-offs, the FAI confirmed that it heard about this meeting today through Fifa's press release.

"Should we be asked to make any contribution, the FAI would be happy to do so for the improvement of the game."

The African play-off match between Algeria and Egypt was also marred by scenes of off-field violence.