World Cup 2010: France Star Thierry Henry Faces Possible World Cup Ban For Handball Incident

France and Barcelona striker Thierry Henry could face suspension from the early stages of next summer's World Cup finals after FIFA president Sepp Blatter revealed today that his handball against the Republic of Ireland was to be referred to FIFA's disciplinary committee.

Blatter maintains though that no special example is being made of the Frenchman.

"The disciplinary [committee] will open a case on the behaviour of the player Thierry Henry," Blatter told reporters at a news conference in South Africa.

"This is a matter of the disciplinary committee and it's not a question of this player or another - it was a blatant unfair playing and was shown all around the world, but I don't know what the outcome will be."

Blatter came under fire from the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) today after he revealed this week that the Irish had enquired about the possibility of being included as a 33rd nation at next summer's tournament.

The FAI maintain that there was a breach of confidentiality.