Bono Wants FIFA To Reinstate Ireland In World Cup

December 1, 2009 9:18 a.m. EST

Dublin, Ireland (CNS) - Irish musician Bono has lent his support to his home country's football team. The U2 frontman is appealing to the International Federation of Association Football, or FIFA, to reinstate the Republic of Ireland football team.

The Irish team was knocked out of the World Cup qualifiers by France following French captain Thierry Henry's "Hand of Henry" scandal during the controversial game played on November 18.

Bono told the BBC that Ireland received a "devastating blow," adding it would be a noble thing if FIFA reinstates the country for the World Cup finals in South Africa.

He said, "I think it's okay for FIFA to say 'Look things are changing, that game is an affront to FIFA's concept of fairness' and I think there's smart people in FIFA who will see that this is an opportunity. It's not a huge bureaucracy that can't be turned around."

"It can turn around and they should have video from now on and they should allow Ireland be at the cup."