Blatter - Ireland asked for 2010 spot

World governing body FIFA president Sepp Blatter has claimed the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) asked to be included in the World Cup finals as an extra team following the Republic of Ireland's controversial play-off exit to France.

Ireland lost to a play-off extra-time goal in Paris scored by William Gallas after Thierry Henry handled the ball in the build-up - and Blatter has admitted for the first time the World Cup play-off system must be examined as a result of Henry's handball and the argument which surrounded the match.

However, he ruled out Ireland being added to South Africa 2010 as the 33rd team.

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