FIFA turns down Ireland's rematch appeal

World soccer governing body rejected Friday the Irish football association's appeal of rematching the controversial France v Ireland World Cup playoff.

Wednesday's 1-1 draw in Paris, which sent France to the World Cup finals with a 2-1 aggregate win, has been widely disputed as Thierry Henry's extra-time hand ball set up the equalizing goal.

"In the reply, FIFA states that the result of the match cannot be changed and the match cannot be replayed," FIFA stated on its website on Friday.

"As is clearly mentioned in the Laws of the Game, during matches, decisions are taken by the referee and these decisions are final," read the statement.

The controversial match has raised furor nearly all around the world and FIFA went under pressure from lawmakers and football figures in both countries.

The Irish government supported the call for a replay as Prime Minister Brian Cowen said he would discuss the matter with French President Nicolas Sarkozy in Brussels.

Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni, however, thought a rematch was impossible, but Thierry Henry said a rematch would be "the fairest solution" to resolve it.

Source: Xinhua