The controversial World Cup play-off between the Republic of Ireland and France cannot be replayed, Fifa has declared.

“As is clearly mentioned in the Laws of the Game, during matches, decisions are taken by the referee and these decisions are final,” football’s governing body said.

The announcement came as the fall-out from Thierry Henry’s handball continues to rumble on.

The Football Association of Ireland has asked the French FA to agree to a replay and urged other nations to pressurise Fifa as formal complaints and demands were sent.

French finance minister Christine Lagarde is the latest high-profile French personality to speak out against the handball incident.

She told radio station RTL: “Fifa should… replay the match.”

Henry’s former France team-mate Emmanuel Petit said: “Thierry’s handball will not send out a good message.”

And France football hero David Ginola said: “I do not feel very proud to be French. Something should be done.”

Amid growing support, Ireland’s philosophical manager Giovanni Trapattoni conceded that pleas may fall on deaf ears.

However, FAI chief executive John Delaney said the issue would remain a matter of integrity.

“This was a defining game that the whole world was watching. If Fifa believe in fair play and integrity, this is their opportunity to step forward,” he said.

“It’s not about money. This is about supporting integrity.”

It is estimated that World Cup qualification would have been worth £26.7m to Irish football – the French team’s success will give a similar boost to France.

Source:Sky News