Opinion

Astonishment at Fifa payment to FAI

Many people will share Enda Kenny's view that the revelation of a 5 million payment from Fifa to the FAI following Thierry Henry's infamous handball, is ``quite extraordinary.''

The Taoiseach is just one of many high profile figures to express astonishment at the news that Fifa paid out a large sum to prevent legal action after France's controversial win in a World Cup play-off in 2009.

FAI chief executive John Delaney said the agreement was made after he met Fifa president Sepp Blatter. Fifa said the money was a loan which was later written off.

It is not clear what legal recourse was open to the Irish footballing authority following the match but this disclosure has raised a number of questions.

The FAI has to display complete openness over this matter, detailing how the money was spent and releasing all relevant documents.

However, it provides another indication of the curious way Fifa chose to do business.