http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_5706378,00.htmlFifa rule out Ireland replay
Irish left to rue decision as France assured of World Cup place
Last updated: 20th November 2009
Decisions are taken by the referee and these decisions are final.
Fifa.
Fifa has confirmed that under no circumstances will Republic of Ireland's World Cup play-off with France be replayed.
Wednesday's second-leg clash in Paris has been the subject of intense scrutiny as France progressed courtesy of a 2-1 aggregate success, secured in extra-time largely thanks to Thierry Henry's now infamous double handball prior to William Gallas' leveller on the night.
The Football Association of Ireland had asked Fifa to replay the game as even Henry conceded he had handled the ball before laying on Gallas' equaliser, which booked France's place in South Africa.
Ireland received widespread sympathy throughout the football fraternity following a gutsy display in the French capital, with a number of key figures championing their cause for a replay.
Final
However, such a request has been given short shrift by world football's governing body Fifa, who insist a referee's decision is final in rejecting the FAI's appeal.
"Fifa has today, 20 November 2009, replied to the request made by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) to replay the 2010 Fifa World Cup South Africa play-off match held on 18 November 2009 between France and the Republic of Ireland in Paris," read an official statement from Fifa.
"In the reply, Fifa states that the result of the match cannot be changed and the match cannot be replayed.
"As is clearly mentioned in the Laws of the Game, during matches, decisions are taken by the referee and these decisions are final."
Fifa's response will now be considered by the FAI's board of management, which sits for a pre-arranged meeting on Friday afternoon.
The FAI said in a statement: "Football Association of Ireland today confirmed that it has received correspondence from FIFA rejecting the Association's request for a replay of the World Cup play-off match between France and the Republic of Ireland.
"A previously scheduled meeting of the FAI board of management will take place this afternoon where the matter will be considered.
"No further comment will be made until this meeting has concluded."
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_5707753,00.htmlThe Football Association of Ireland have launched a fresh plea with their French counterparts to agree to a replay of their controversial play-off match.
Thierry Henry's blatant handball in the build up to William Gallas' goal which sent France through to the World Cup at the Republic of Ireland's expense has been the subject of much debate since Wednesday night.
A 1-1 draw on a pulstaing night in the Stade de France proved to be enough for the hosts, with Nicolas Anelka's away goal from the first leg in Croke Park helping to see them through.
Ireland, however, are refusing to let the handball issue lie, believing Henry's disregard for the rules should not prevent them the right to contest at the finals.
Football's governing body Fifa have already rejected an appeal for a replay but with the offending player, and France captain, Henry admitting that a replay would be just, the FAI have renewed hope that a deal can be struck.
The Irish are hoping a plea from both associations, plus both team captains, will help sway Fifa's stance over the prospect of replaying the second leg at in Paris.
A statement from the Board of Management of the FAI read: "Following this afternoon's meeting of its Board of Management, the Football Association of Ireland has called on the French Football Federation, as one of the world's largest Football Associations, to join with it and the captains of both the French and Irish teams, Thierry Henry and Robbie Keane, to request a replay from FIFA that would protect the integrity of the game worldwide and the pride of the French national team."
The FFF, embarrassed by the manner in which their nation have qualified for South Africa, have insisted they will comply with any decision Fifa make on the matter.