The request by the Republic of Ireland to FIFA to grant them an extra place in the upcoming World Cup in South Africa is to my mind, funny. I sympathise with the Irish for the bad goal they conceded against France but I think the matter must be put to rest. It must be taken as one of those strange things that happen in football when the best team never always wins.

Thierry Henry, who blatantly propelled the ball with his left hand in order to gain control and give a pass for the match winner, must feel ashamed of himself. I would like to think it was a reflex action by Thierry who saw the ball running way from him in those desperate moments when the whole of France was looking forward to a winning goal. This was done at the blind side of all the match officials and it was the power of TV cameras that betrayed Thierry’s action. I suggest the French striker must be fined heavily to serve as deterrent to future handball players turned footballers. Once the cameras can easily detect such frauds it is not necessary to crowd the pitch with too many watchmen.

The talk of extra men behind the goalposts, in my estimation is uncalled for. At this juncture, may I suggest to Algeria and Egypt to stop the football war. It doesn’t put Africa in any good light that a sporting event must turn into such virulent politics.

I also want to appeal to my Ghanaian compatriots who are busily fighting over the membership of the so called Public Interest Committee of the Ghana Football Association that will among other things, supervise the selection of the Ghana contingent for the World Cup to think first of the calibre of players we need for the tournament.

It would be interesting to have a live TV coverage of the committee’s first meeting. This sporting world is full of intrigues. Cheers everybody and keep loving sports.

FROM MY ARCHIVES

Dec 3rd 1997: One of the most famous players in the history of soccer, England and Manchester United hero, Sir Bobby Charlton, has announced he has played last full match at the age of 60. He played 106 times for England scoring 49 times.