Striker Thierry Henry during France's World Cup qualifying play-off against Ireland in 2009 (Photo: Reuters)
World soccer's governing body FIFA paid five million euros ($5.64 million) to the Irish FA (FAI) to avoid the threat of a legal case over a World Cup playoff defeat in 2009, FAI chief executive John Delaney said on Thursday.
Ireland were knocked out by France in a two-legged playoff to qualify for the 2010 South Africa tournament, with the decisive goal in the second leg coming after a blatant handball by French striker Thierry Henry.
Speaking to Irish state broadcaster RTE on Thursday, Delaney said: "It was a payment to the association... not to proceed with a legal case."
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