CAPE TOWN: France striker Thierry Henry could be banned from the start of the World Cup Finals next year after FIFA President Sepp Blatter said his blatant handball against Ireland would be investigated by the world body.

If FIFA's Disciplinary Committee rules against Henry, who handled the ball in the build-up to France's crucial goal in the playoff in Paris last month that saw them secure their place in the finals, it could impose a match ban that could see him miss the start of the finals in South Africa next June.

"The disciplinary committee will open a case into the behavior of Thierry Henry in the match against Ireland," Blatter told a news conference.