Henry to Appear Before FIFA Disciplinary Committee

January 17th, 2010 | by: Sarah | View Comments

Every time I think everyone is ready to stop talking about Henry’s handball against Ireland, it is brought up again. The issue, which was voted the “French Sports Story of the Year” has dominated the headlines since it happened two months ago.

I’m not saying that issues like this should be swept under the rug, but I wish that there was some clarity over the situation from FIFA. I know, I shouldn’t be shocked at FIFA’s lack of transparency- but this whole mess is very confusing. First, Sepp Blatter says that Henry wouldn’t be punished, then he retracts this statement and says he committed the highest crime and that he will be subjected to an investigation. Then, it came to light that FIFA is not allowed to punish this type of offense (handball) unless it is committed to prevent a goal from being scored. But, FIFA has decided to push forward, arguing that they have jurisdiction

Personally, I think FIFA is drawing out the punishment of Henry to cover up their own reluctance to use more referees or video replays. If FIFA expects the players to immediately admit to their mistakes then FIFA has the reciprocal obligation to do everything in its power to ensure that the game is played fairly by improving its match officiating. Ironically, FIFA and the referees- the people whose job it is to create an environment that promotes fair play are the only stakeholders who seem to be reluctant to do this. A ton of players and coaches have come out in favor of using one or both the recommendations (more refs or video replays) in future games.

But regardless of how frustrating it is that the situation has come to his, Henry is now facing disciplinary charges that could result in a stern warning, fine and/or match suspensions (before and during the 2010 WC). Sepp Blatter has said that he hopes this trial will be a moral victory for Ireland. Um, that statement is problematic for so many reasons. First, I would never consider FIFA to be the organization who has the credibility to dole out “moral victories.” Second, this is clearly not what Ireland wanted and FIFA has really shown their team a lack of respect in their numerous missteps on this issue. FIFA’s initial lack of transparency gave credibility to conspiracy theorists about the match play-off draw. Then, Sepp revealed that he called Henry, implying favoritism. Then, as a final blow, Sepp revealed and then laughed about the Irish Federation’s request to enter the World Cup as an extra team.

Given how horrible FIFA have been on this issue, I can understand their need to do SOMETHING – it is just unfortunate that they are only willing to judge and change things that do not implicate their own organization’s guilt. Personally, I have always thought it was problematic that FIFA is a for-profit institution that oversees the ethical guidelines and governing rules that players and teams are bound to follow. There must be times when those two goals (profit and fairness) come into conflict. An independent agency/institution that oversaw the disciplinary hearings and rules regarding fairplay (including the rules regarding tournament draws and play-offs) would be better equipped for this.

But, for now, the lack of historical precedent leaves the possible consequences about this issue up in the air. They could choose to make an example of Henry and give him a harsh punishment or they could decide to slap him on the wrists. It seems silly to continue to push this issue to the front of the media if you are only going to issue a warning. I fear that something far worse will happen. In some ways, I wonder if it would be better for the team if Henry isn’t there- I don’t want this to overshadow and place additional pressure on the team. And Henry tends to get moody when he is unhappy (see his last two years at Arsenal)- if he is going to captain this team, we need him to be all there and able to give 100%. I’m not sure if he will be able to do that under these circumstances.