French Football Federation Denies Request from Ireland to Replay Controversial World Cup Qualifier

The French Football Federation has turned down an appeal by Ireland to replay Wednesday’s controversial 1-1 contest, saying they understood the disappointment of the Irish but the outcome would stand.

That draw sent France to South Africa where it will now participate in the 2010 World Cup while the Irish are left with memories of French star Thierry Henry deliberately using his hand to control a ball before delivering a pass to William Gallas who headed home the equalizing goal in extra time.

Officials missed the call and as a result the draw handed France an aggregate 2-1 victory over Ireland and qualified them for the World Cup.

Ireland lodged a complaint with soccer’s governing body FIFA, requesting the match be replayed but that was denied on Friday. Despite that decision Ireland sent the same request to the French federation in hopes their agreement would convince FIFA to change their mind, that didn’t happen.

On Saturday Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delany expressed dismay in France’s response stating, “We regret that despite our best efforts for a replay, which would have restored the integrity of the game in front of a worldwide audience, our calls appear to have fallen on deaf ears at the French Football Federation.”

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