The missed call of Thierry Henry's handball that made Martin Hansson cry will likely prevent the Swedish referee taking charge of a match at this World Cup.

Yet Hansson was smiling Monday and philosophical about his role as a specialist fourth official in South Africa, consigned to the sideline as the only European referee placed on standby while nine colleagues get their moments in the middle.

"I think now it's too late," Hansson said, asked Monday if he and his two regular assistants still hoped to be awarded their own match.

"We know that when we went here, nine out of 10 referees from Europe will be a referee. We were the 10th one. We have to deal with that and accept it."

Is he paying the price for the worldwide furore that followed Henry's notorious foul play which helped qualify France at Ireland's expense?

"I don't know. It's up to others to answer that question," he said.

Aged 39, Hansson will be eligible for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil before reaching FIFA's mandatory retirement age of 45.

His star was ascending when he was awarded the final of the Confederations Cup at Johannesburg's Ellis Park a year ago. As a natural progression, FIFA put him in Paris last November for the return match of a highly charged playoff with France defending a 1-0 lead.

Ireland captain Robbie Keane's goal took the tie into extra time, and 13 minutes later, a chapter of football folklore was written. Henry used his left forearm and hand to control the ball before passing for William Gallas to score and send France to the finals.

Hansson's view of Henry was blocked and, despite furious Irish protests, he let the goal stand.

It was a half-hour after he blew the final whistle that Hansson was told what he'd missed.

Hansson said he cried in his Stade de France changing room.

"Of course, when I realised what a mistake it was," he said.

A consoling visit from an Irish team official helped, and he hopes to be welcomed next time he visits.

"I love the people. I love the island. I love the beer," he said.

However, the ensuing attention on the part-time firefighter's life in Sweden was an ordeal.

"The media was in my small village at home," Hansson said. "They took photos of my parents' house, they were knocking on my neighbours' doors in the middle of the night. Then, I think if it's really worth (being a referee).

"Football is very, very emotional. It should be very emotional, but there must always be a limit."

FIFA showed faith in Hansson by retaining him on its elite list of referees being prepared for the finals.

Now he is well placed to sympathise with World Cup referees whose decisions have been intensely scrutinised - and criticised - during the group-stage matches.

"We support each other really hard in this group. Everybody would like (to see) that the other referee is successful," Hansson said.

They share their mistakes - and successes - at a nightly debriefing complete with video clips conducted by FIFA officials at the referees' hotel near Pretoria, before settling to watch the late match.

Hansson will be on duty again Tuesday as the fourth official backing Hungary's Victor Kassai when Mexico plays Uruguay at Rustenburg.

His career record will always have Paris. Full World Cup redemption may have to wait another four years.

"I know the risks of being a referee," Hansson said. "I have to learn to deal with this."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP