Zurich - FIFA Friday rejected an Irish appeal to replay the France-Ireland World Cup qualifier which was decided following an illegal hand ball by Thierry Henry.

Football's world governing body said the result of the match could not be changed and there could be no replay.

"As is clearly mentioned in the Laws of the Game, during matches, decisions are taken by the referee and these decisions are final," a statement said.

Wednesday's match ended at 1-1, which enabled France to qualify because of their 1-0 victory in the first tie, on Saturday in Dublin.

The Irish Football Association had formally asked FIFA to allow a replay of the match after France's goal to ensure qualification followed a handling offence by Henry who then set up team-mate William Gallas to score. (dpa)