French Football Federation Reject FAI Appeal To Replay World Cup Play-Off

The French Football Federation (FFF) have confirmed they will not replay there World Cup play-off match with the Republic of Ireland.

France captain Thierry Henry had earlier said that a replay was "the fairest solution" after his controversial handball helped the hosts to a late extra-time goal which settled the tie.

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI), and Irish captain Robbie Keane, reacted to Henry's statement by reiterating its request for FIFA to sanction a replay.

But the FFF, while expressing sympathy for the Irish, refused to entertain such a notion.

"The FFF understands the disappointment and bitterness of the Irish players, management and supporters. The federation never sought to deny the refereeing error which saw the equalising French goal allowed," it said in a statement.

"At the end of the match and because French football itself has suffered in the past by events of a similar nature, the FFF management expressed their regrets and sympathy to their Irish counterparts."

The federation added: "Thierry Henry, captain of the France team, spontaneously recognised his handball. He did it at the end of the match to Irish players and the referee, and then to the media.

"This candour and honesty are trademarks of the exemplary career that he has enjoyed at all his clubs as well as the national team. Given the pressure he has come under, the French Football Federation lends him total support."

The federation ended by saying: "The Football Association of Ireland yesterday asked FIFA for the game to be replayed. FIFA has today rejected this request, recalling the laws of the game which apply to all football matches.

"During matches, decisions are taken by the referee and these decisions are final. As a result, the result of the match cannot be changed and the match cannot be replayed.

"The FIFA decision is binding and applies to both federations.

Andrew Southwick, Goal.com