FIFA has declined the Football Association of Ireland's request to replay the France-Ireland World Cup qualifying playoff, despite the winning goal being tainted.

"The result of the match cannot be changed and the match cannot be replayed," FIFA said in a statement on their website. "As is clearly mentioned in the Laws of the Game, during matches, decisions are taken by the referee and these decisions are final."

Thierry Henry handled the ball twice before setting up William Gallas for the game-winning header goal in extra-time to give France a 2-1 aggregate and a spot in South Africa next summer.

Replay showed that the Barcelona striker clearly handled the ball before the assist, and he confirmed it after the game.

"I will be honest, it was a handball," Henry said. "But I'm not the ref. I played it. The ref allowed it. That's a question you should ask him."

FAI's appeal of the result was handled quickly by FIFA, as the likelihood of a redo of the match was minimal, even with Henry's statement.

Ireland will now have missed two consecutive World Cups. They have only qualified three times.

France reached the World Cup final in 2006, losing to Italy in penalty shootouts, and won the tournament in 1998.