FIFA rejects Ireland's 2010 WC inclusion request

Dublin, Dec 2: FIFA rejected Ireland's request to be included as the 33rd team in 2010 World Cup in South Africa on Tuesday, Dec 1, on the ground that having more than 32 teams was out of question.

FIFA official Jerome Valcke said that acceptance of Ireland's inclusion request would make way for other teams to make a similar appeal.

"There is no hope at all that there will be more than 32 teams at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa." he said adding that FIFA took the request into consideration only because the team had made a special request in Zurich.

The World Cup Finals draw is set to take place on Friday, Dec 11.

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