LONDON : A replay of the controversial World Cup play-off between France and the Republic of Ireland is out of the question, the French Football Federation (FFF) said Friday, even as skipper Thierry Henry said he would back the idea following his handball gaffe.

"The FFF understands the disappointment and bitterness of the Irish players, management and supporters. The federation never sought to deny the refereeing error which saw the equalising French goal allowed," it said in a statement.

But the FFF added: "During matches, decisions are taken by the referee and these decisions are final. As a result, the result of the match cannot be changed and the match cannot be replayed.

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI), however, called on the FFF to join with it in requesting a replay from FIFA as only that "would protect the integrity of the game worldwide and the pride of the French national team".

Henry said "the fairest solution" to the row over his handball which allowed William Gallas to score the goal that sent the French through would be a replay, but FIFA ruled that "the result of the match cannot be changed and the match cannot be replayed".

In a statement released after FIFA's decision, Henry said: "Of course the fairest solution would be to replay the game but it is not in my control.

"Naturally I feel embarrassed at the way that we won and feel extremely sorry for the Irish, who definitely deserve to be in South Africa."

Keane welcomed Henry's comments.

"As captain of the Republic of Ireland team, I would also be happy for a replay to happen in the interest of fair play so that whichever team qualifies can do so with their heads held high," said the striker.

Related article: France debates 'cheat' row.

The incident has sparked controversy across Europe, and was even discussed by French and Irish leaders at a European Union summit in Brussels.

Video replays showed Henry raised his hand to stop the ball going out of play in extra-time of the match, before passing to Gallas to head the goal which gave France a 2-1 win in the two-leg playoff.

Henry said the incident happened in the heat of the action.

"I have said at the time and I will say again that yes I handled the ball.

"I am not a cheat and never have been. It was an instinctive reaction to a ball that was coming extremely fast in a crowded penalty area."

Swedish referee Martin Hansson failed to spot the handball and FIFA insisted his decision could not be overturned.

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

France coach Raymond Domenech was unapologetic.

"I have seen the video and it's a mistake by the referee. I don't understand why we are expected to say sorry," he said.

Former Ireland captain Roy Keane accused his country of hypocrisy over its attempts to secure a replay, saying the Irish had benefited from poor refereeing decisions during their qualifying campaign.

Keane, who famously fell out with FAI officials and walked out on Ireland's 2002 World Cup squad, said: "I think the supporters deserve better, the manager (Giovanni Trapattoni) deserves better and probably most of the players deserve better, but I'm not sure the FAI deserve better.

"What goes around comes around."

France will now go into the 32-nation draw for next year's finals.

- AFP /ls