A replay would cause absolute chaos for football
A statement on FIFA's website said: “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.
“In the reply, FIFA states that the result of the match cannot be changed and the match cannot be replayed."
France qualified for the 2010 World Cup by winning the two-leg tie 2-1 on aggregate on Wednesday, although there has been outrage and claims of cheating after a blatant Thierry Henry handball led to France's decisive equaliser.
"There is no way the game can be replayed," said a FIFA source. "To do so would cause absolute chaos for football. FIFA's rules are absolutely clear."
Henry admitted he handled the ball just before crossing for William Gallas who headed home the equaliser that broke Irish hearts at the Stade de France.
While Henry was widely condemned and his integrity questioined, the French football authorities maintain that the referee, Swede Martin Hansson, and not Henry is to blame.
"... I have seen the video and it's a mistake by the referee. I don't understand why we are expected to say sorry,” said France coach Raymond Domenech.
FIFA's statement added: “As is clearly mentioned in the Laws of the Game, during matches, decisions are taken by the referee and these decisions are final."
Backed by Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen on Thursday, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) had lodged the request with FIFA on Thursday.
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RobM