Giovanni Trapattoni: 'Blatter asked us to forget handball'

The infamous incident in the World Cup play-off in 2009 ended up sending France to the tournament in South Africa in 2010.

The FAI (Football Association of Ireland) released papers confirming FIFA paid them €5m to not sue over the obvious refereeing error.

“I remember every second in Paris and above all the collaborator of referee Hansson laughing in my face,” Trapattoni told La Stampa newspaper.

“I met Blatter. He said to me: ‘Let’s get together and find a way out, a way we could forget…’

“I don’t know what he wanted or what he was aiming at. I just know that when he proffered a handshake, I did not return the gesture, because I am not someone with two faces.”

Blatter stepped down this week, just days after his election to a fifth term, and many are waiting for him to be implicated in the growing corruption scandal.

“After a war there is the time of rebirth,” continued Trapattoni. “I think football can experience a new era now that someone and something has been swept aside.

“I think Michel Platini should be the new President. I know him well and have done for a long time. I don’t know if Michel truly wants this position, but he’s due it for his experience, sensibility and honesty.”

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