Henry faces World Cup ban

France striker Thierry Henry could be banned from the start of the World Cup finals next year after FIFA president Sepp Blatter said his blatant handball against Ireland would be investigated by the world body.

If FIFA's Disciplinary Committee rule against Henry, who handled the ball in the build-up to France's crucial goal in the playoff in Paris last month that saw them secure their place in the finals, they could impose a match ban that could see him miss the start of the finals in South Africa next June.

"The disciplinary committee will open a case into the behaviour of Thierry Henry in the match against Ireland," Blatter said. "It is not a question of it being Henry or another player. But it was blatant unfair play and was shown all over the world. I am not saying that Thierry Henry will be punished, what I am saying is that he will be examined by the disciplinary committee."

No seeding for France

France will not be a seeded team at Friday's World Cup draw. South Africa are seeded as hosts, and Brazil, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Argentina and England on rankings.

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