Delaney hits out at Blatter over FIFA's silence on Henry incident
Thursday November 26 2009
John Delaney, the FAI chief executive, has hit out at Sepp Blatter in the wake of the Thierry Henry saga, criticising the FIFA president for only showing his face when "there are nice presentations to be made".
Delaney said that the FAI has not spoken to anybody in the world footballing body since the World Cup play-off eight days ago, only receiving correspondence through letters and press releases.
The FAI will now present their views to FIFA on the incident before the Emergency General Meeting in Cape Town on December 2, with Delaney expressing hope that it won't be just a "token" gesture.
Tough
Speaking exclusively to the Irish Independent after Ireland's U-16 win over Czech Republic at the home of Rock Celtic FC outside Dundalk on Tuesday night, Delaney expressed his anger at FIFA's silence in the past week, particularly when asked specifically about Blatter's role in recent events.
"Sometimes I feel when there are nice presentations to be made, these people come out but when there are tough decisions -- like this one -- they don't. It was disappointing that FIFA didn't come out publicly since last Wednesday."
When asked if he still has faith in FIFA after the fiasco, Delaney replied: "I'd have more faith in UEFA.
"I've always had more faith in UEFA, and that's not being individually critical of anyone in FIFA, but I'm not too sure whether they get it really at the end of the day -- just how much of an impact these events have.
"There was nobody from FIFA available to speak since last Wednesday, we heard nothing."
"We got a letter back, and things like that, but the face of FIFA wasn't seen. Everybody in my opinion went for cover," said Delaney.
"I'm hoping, but the jury is out, that this big meeting that they're going to have is not just a token approach," he continued.
The Waterford man believes the incident should prove a turning point for football in the quest for the introduction of video technology, but remained doubtful.
"I think the video thing should come in but whether it does or not I'd be sceptical because I don't think Blatter is into that."
Meanwhile, Alan Mathews yesterday pledged his future to Drogheda United by signing a two-year contract, where he is expected to be working off a much healthier budget for the 2010 season.
The former Cork City and Longford Town boss guided the Boynesiders to Premier League safety in his first season, on a budget of less than €7,000 per week.
But he is expected to be afforded something closer to a five-figure weekly wage bill for the coming season.
One of Mathews' best performers last season, James Chambers, is expected to sign for Shamrock Rovers, despite interest from Championship side Watford.
- Neil Ahern
Irish Independent
