FIFA has dashed the Republic of Ireland's hopes replaying their World Cup qualifying play-off with France.

The world governing body ruled that the result cannot be changed, despite the controversy surrounding Thierry Henry's handball in the run-up to the winning goal.

FIFA said in a statement: "FIFA has today, 20 November 2009, replied to the request made by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) to replay the 2010 FIFA World Cup play-off match held on 18 November 2009 between France and the Republic of Ireland in Paris.

"In the reply, FIFA states that the result of the match cannot be changed and the match cannot be replayed. As is clearly mentioned in the Laws of the Game, during matches, decisions are taken by the referee and these decisions are final."

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) had formally requested a replay after Henry's clear handball in the build-up to William Gallas' extra-time goal.