Thierry Henry Handball Controversy Continues

Thierry Henry may face disciplinary action from FIFA regarding his role in the handball goal, an instance where he handled the ball before setting up a pass to a teammate. The resulting goal ensured that France qualified for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa at the expense of the Irish. Understandably, the Irish were not happy, and the news of this disciplinary action will not make them happier. A chance at the World Cup would have been much more important to them.

In a shocking incident of what one may call cheating, Thierry Henry handled the ball twice, to get it in control, so he could make a pass and set up the winning goal. Caught very clearly on cameras, this unsporting behavior resulted in a huge outcry in the footballing world. This is the second time that such an incident has created such a huge outcry, with Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal being the first. Unfortunately, both instances have been in high level, important matches, and more shocking is that even though Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal occurred almost 2 decades ago, there has still been no improvement in the technology referees are allowed to use. Even though everyone saw the replays showing that Henry handled the ball, there was nothing that could be done. 20 years to update technology to help referees is indeed a long time, and FIFA should be looking into this in order to stop such incidents from happening in the future. Sports like cricket and tennis have allowed the use of technology to aid the referees and the same should be allowed for football as well.

Facing disciplinary action after the deed is a bit like crying over spilt milk. There is nothing to be gained. An instance where the player in question himself announces to the world that yes, he indeed handled the ball, and thanks to that they won the game and qualified for the World Cup? You just got to wonder where the sport is going. What is FIFA doing? Why wasn't something said earlier? Why is there still a question of doubt if Henry will actually face disciplinary action or no? What has happened to fair play? Ireland was so upset that they asked for a replay of the match, and even went so far as to ask to be included as the 33rd team in the world cup draw. Both requests were denied. But do you really blame them for asking?

With incidents like these, what can stop everyone from cheating just a little bit? Granted, the referee can't be everywhere all the time, so players have an edge when they think the referee is not watching. But going as far as handling the ball when he is not watching? This is shown on national and at times even on international TV. Obviously, something needs to be done, else it might signify the end of football as we know it. Imagine a scenario where players did what they wanted, irrespective of rules, when the referee was not watching. Can you imagine the mayhem?

And as for action after the crime, it is just a really bad idea. The good idea is to stop the crime happening in the first place. One can just hope that the disciplinary action taken against the Barcelona striker is strict enough to make other players think about the consequences before breaking any soccer rules. A ban from the 2010 World Cup does not seem too harsh, and I'm certain the Irish will agree. However, not even that will placate the Irish, and who can really blame them. Not to qualify for an event that happens once in 4 years, just because the other team cheated. It's a shame. Is this what FIFA wants the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa to be remembered for? Unfortunately, if France goes on to win the 2010 World Cup, this is just what might happen.