The Football Association of Ireland have confirmed their disappointment that the FFF has refused to accede to its request for a replay, against the wishes of both captains, Thierry Henry and Robbie Keane, the vast majority of both the French and Irish people, and numerous highly respected figures of world football.

FAI Chief Executive John Delaney said;
“We regret that despite our best efforts for a replay, which would have restored the integrity of the game in front of a world-wide audience, our calls appear to have fallen on deaf ears at the French Football Federation. Without doubt, the credibility of fair-play has been damaged by this incident in front of a world-wide audience. Despite our deep disappointment, we thank our players ,the wonderful Irish fans and the Irish public at large for their support as well as the solidarity of the French people. We will continue to call on FIFA to take action to ensure that such damaging examples of cheating are not allowed to recur.”

1. French Federation say “Non” to Irish pleas for replay
2. Robbie Keane Welcomes Thierry Henry’s Call For replay
3. Statement from the Board of Management of the Football Association of Ireland
4. Le Main de Dieu (Hand of God) causes an international debate on FIFA’s fairplay campaign
5. FIFA Await Irish Replay Plea As Moran Calls For Nation To Move On & Accept French Cheating