FIFA Paid Irish Soccer $5 Million Not to Contest Henry Handball
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FIFA gave Ireland’s soccer federation $5 million to help build a stadium in return for it forgoing legal action over a handball that allowed France to qualify for the 2010 World Cup at the country’s expense.
Ireland complained to FIFA after France striker Thierry Henry twice used his hand to control the ball before passing to William Gallas, whose goal won a playoff against Ireland on Nov. 19, 2009. FIFA refused Irish requests to replay the game.