Thierry Henry's handball against the Republic of Ireland could lead to Fifa fast-tracking the introduction of two additional referees in time for the World Cup in South Africa, reports The Guardian. One of Fifa's most senior officials confirmed the matter will be on the agenda at the law-making International Football Association Board meeting in Zurich next March.

Michel Platini, arguably one of the two most powerful men in football, is advocating additional referees as a potential answer.

"The situation of additional referees will be spoken about at the IFAB meeting," said the official. "If you had additional referees in place, they would have seen it. Michel Platini is in favour of the system of two more referees."

France have qualified for the World Cup," added the official. "The match won't be played again: the result is valid. If not, do you want to replay the ["Hand of God"] match from 1986? That would make you in England happy."