The play in question,
From ESPN.com:
DUBLIN — Ireland appealed to France and FIFA on Thursday to replay their World Cup playoff after an obvious handball by Thierry Henry set up the deciding goal.
Ireland’s government and soccer association asked for Wednesday’s 1-1 draw in the second leg at Stade de France to be replayed. France advanced to next year’s World Cup in South Africa 2-1 on total goals.
FIFA said it received Ireland’s request for a replay, though it was unclear if the governing body of soccer would seriously consider it.
Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni called the prospect of a rematch “impossible.” Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen said he would “have a chat about it” with French President Nicolas Sarkozy at a meeting of the 27 EU leaders in Brussels.
“Fairness is part of the game,” Cowen said.
FIFA declined to comment specifically on Ireland’s protests but pointed to its rule forbidding second-guessing of on-field decisions by referees.
John Delaney, the Football Association of Ireland’s chief executive, said he doubted FIFA would respond positively unless French soccer authorities agreed to Ireland’s call for a rematch.
“It’s up to them, in particular the French, to recognize there was a travesty last night, an injustice,” Delaney said.
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