The New York Red Bulls have confirmed the signing of French striker Thierry Henry and he will make his debut for the Bulls in a friendly against Tottenham Hotspur.

Henry – a member of the France World Cup squad that returned home in disgrace from South Africa – has joined the MLS side on a “multi-year contract” in one of the biggest coups for the league in its history.

“This marks an exciting new chapter in my career and life,” Henry said. “It is an honour to play for the New York Red Bulls. I am fully aware of the team’s history and my sole goal during my time here is to help win the club its first championship. Knowing Red Bull’s significant commitment to soccer locally and internationally, I am confident that my team-mates and I will succeed.”

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The Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney has called on FIFA to stick to their own principles and “step up to the plate” by agreeing to replay their controversial World Cup play-off defeat by France.

The FAI have lodged a formal complaint with the world governing body, claiming the integrity of the game has been damaged after French forward Thierry Henry blatantly handled the ball during extra-time in the lead-up to the winning goal scored by William Gallas.

“I really believe the integrity of the game has been questioned,” Delaney said.

“The governing body of world football have to step up to the plate and accede to our call for a replay.”

Delaney also confirmed the FAI have written to their French counterparts.

“We have got to do what we have to do,” he said. “We owe it to the players, who were magnificent. The supporters were incredible.

“It is up to the people who govern the game now. Every time I go to a FIFA congress I hear about fair play and integrity.

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