By Nomadic Chris, 24 November 2009

What are the repercussions of Thierry Henry’s handball against Ireland in their crucial World Cup play-off match?

Will this damage his reputation as one of the greatest players in the world?

The hopes of the Republic of Ireland gracing the 2010 World Cup in South Africa are over. Their dreams shattered by Thierry Henry, who came from a tough background, but through diligence and dedication, he became one of the best football players in the world. Did he smash one of this trade mark volleys or run through the defence to score? No, in front of a global TV audience of millions, Henry "handled" the ball twice to cross for William Gallas to score. The first touch was no doubt an accident, but the second touch was definitely intentional.

Henry probably knew that there was the chance that the referee would call up play, but from the official’s view (apparently), he did not see anything. Unluckily for Henry, several cameras caught this act from all angles. It was undisputed, Henry took his chances and had gotten away with cheating!! The goal stood and France was through and Ireland again lost in a play-off match.

But, that's just the beginning of our story.

The fall out was immediate! The Irish team and politicians called for a rematch (Denied), Henry called for a rematch (Guilt can be a powerful emotion!), Anti-Henry Facebook groups sprouted like dandilions across the web horizon, Twitter was ablaze on the subject, Irish star Robbie Keane raged against FIFA and UEFA, calls for greater camera technology were again raised, while former Irish hardman Roy Keane, as usual, told everyone to just “Get over it!”

Even President Sarkozy and Prime Minister François Fillon waded in to release the following statement "We leave it to the competent football authorities to decide, governments do not interfere". Roselyn Bachelot, French Minister for Health and Sports, admitted to a "mal au ventre", a sick feeling in the stomach at how France had illegitimately "qualified".

Why all the fuss over a game?! Is it just the economics?!

No doubt 2010 qualification for any team has many financial windfalls in the form of sponsorship and advertising. With the World cup ‘Feel Good” factor, restaurants and bars would have done a roaring trade and tourism agencies would have catered for thousands of Irish fans flying off to see their team.

Just as importantly though, is that this incident is really about CHEATING and HONOR. Sports is just as much as about competitive sportsmanship, as it is about athleticism. After all, what kind of example would this set for millions of children around the world? That it is "OKAY" to cheat to win? The French Teachers Union released a statement which said: "The French football team will go to South Africa courtesy of unquestionable cheating which highlights the downward spiral affecting football today."

France are through to the World Cup Finals but their fans are not celebrating much. The way they made it will overshadow their progress through the 2010 tournament. Football is a multi-billion dollar game and the stakes are so high that some players will do anything to be successful even to the detriment to their reputation, as well as the moral fabric of society itself...

As for Henry, he might have been one of the world’s greatest football players, but this cheating incident will no doubt tarnish and diminish his name for eternity. Henry has apologized but he looks set to join the Sports Hall of Shame for CHEATERS! Membership tends to be, lifetime.

And, who's to say the French team couldn't have won a fair game? But thanks to Henry's cheating, this French victory will never be "complete", even if they take the 2010 World Cup championship.

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