Blatter to compensate Ireland

Fifa chief Sepp Blatter has revealed the Republic of Ireland could be in line for some sort of compensation for missing out on the World Cup.

Giovanni Trapattoni's men were denied a place at next summer's finals after Thierry Henry's controversial handball in the build-up to William Gallas' goal helped France overcome the Republic of Ireland in their play-off encounter

The Football Association of Ireland has seen requests for a replay of the game and an extra spot at the finals rejected by Fifa.

The issue continues to drag on and Blatter admits he would back Ireland's cause for "moral compensation" but ruled out any type of financial compensation.

Blatter revealed that football's governing body will meet with the FAI to discuss the situation with reports suggesting Fifa could offer the Irish a symbolic award as a result of Henry's actions.

"If you started to compensate teams not qualified you will have others coming to us," said Blatter

"But you are right when you see this kind of matter where the whole world has seen foul play, then maybe there could be some kind of compensation for Ireland.

"We will look at that. Yesterday Ireland withdrew their demands and they asked to meet with us and we will do that next week."