Still no replay for France-Ireland match

NYON, Switzerland, Nov. 20 (UPI) -- International soccer officials on Friday again refused to allow a replay of a World Cup qualifying match between France and Ireland decided on a disputed goal.

French star Thierry Henry admits he directed the ball with his hand, a deflection that set up a goal by Williams Gallas and tied the score in a match Wednesday with Ireland.

After the game, Henry said it was not his place during play to point out the referee's missed call but Friday he said it would be fair to replay the match.

Soccer's ruling body FIFA, however, issued a statement Friday reiterating that the rules of the game state "decisions are taken by the referee and these decisions are final."

France came away with a 1-1 tie against Ireland Wednesday with Gallas's goal in extra time. That was all the French, which defeated Ireland 1-0 in the first game of their two-leg qualifying series, needed to make the field for the 2010 World Cup.

Irish captain Robbie Keane said he appreciated Henry's comments and supported a call for a match replay.