FIFA have ruled out the possibility of repaying the France v
Republic of Ireland World Cup qualifier that cruelly ended
Ireland’s chances of progressing to the finals.
One of the most controversial pieces of play in recent football
history occurred in the second leg at the Stade de France in Paris
on Wednesday that eventually put France through to the finals and
despite calls from the Football Association of Ireland, the match
will not be replayed.
Late in the game, in the 103rd minute, France forward Thierry
Henry handballed the ball in the area before providing the assist
for William Gallas that led to the winning goal that sent Les Bleus
through to South Africa and knocked Ireland out in the most
devastating of circumstances.
Despite Henry admitting he cheated by knocking the ball into his
path with his hand, FIFA have said an emphatic no to a replay.
"There is no way the game can be replayed,” a FIFA source told
Press Association Sport.
"To do so would cause absolute chaos for football. If it was
replayed, then every match in the future would also be subject to
these calls for a replay any time a referee misses an incident.
"FIFA's rules are absolutely clear. Law five states that a
referee's decision on points of fact are final. That is the end of
it. You cannot replay the match on this basis.
"You have to have a rule that says the referee's judgement is
always right."
Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni admitted it would be too hard
to force a replay but insisted an incident like this could easily
happen again.
“After the referee decides the game is finished for me. I know
it’s impossible to replay the game. It must make us think, because
it can be repeated in the future,” he said.