REPUBLIC COULD GET COMPENSATION

Blatter - will meet with the FAI.

FIFA supremo Sepp Blatter has revealed the Republic of Ireland could be in line for some form 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.

But 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 payment.

The FIFA will meet with the FAI to discuss the situation with reports suggesting they could offer a symbolic award as a result of Henry's actions.

Blatter said: "If you start to compensate teams which are not qualified, then you will have others coming to us.

"But you are right, when it comes to this, where all the world is watching - this obvious foul play with the hands - then there may be some moral compensation for the Football Association of Ireland (FAI).

"I spoke about humanism earlier, so moral compensation can mean anything which comes from a compliment to a special award or to a prize.

"But this we have to fix together with the Association and make it clear that financial compensation is not exactly what is foreseen in such cases. But the moral compensation is perhaps something they deserve."