( CNN ) -- World governing body FIFA have announced that France international striker Thierry Henry will not be punished for his handball in last November 's World Cup qualification play-off against the Republic of Ireland . FIFA '' s disciplinary committee concluded there was `` no legal foundation '' for them to deal with the case . The decision means Henry will not face a ban for any matches of this summer 's World Cup finals . FIFA said in a statement : `` The disciplinary committee reached the conclusion that there was no legal foundation for the committee to consider the case because handling the ball can not be regarded as a serious infringement as stipulated in article 77a ) of the FIFA disciplinary code . `` There is no other legal text that would allow the committee to impose sanctions for any incidents missed by match officials . '' Henry 's handball in the run-up to William Gallas ' decisive goal in the World Cup play-off qualifier ended the Republic 's dreams of qualifying for the finals in South Africa . The Football Association of Ireland were infuriated by the goal and demanded a replay , even suggesting they should be allowed to go to the World Cup as a 33rd team . FIFA dismissed their demands but did agree to have another look at the possibility of using video evidence in the future , and instructed the disciplinary committee to investigate possible action against the 32-year-old former Arsenal player . Henry 's defence argued successfully that FIFA 's disciplinary code does not give the committee the ability to punish such incidents . Under current rules , only the illegal use of a hand to prevent a goal being scored is covered in relation to possible sanctions .
France striker William Gallas ' will not be punished for his handball in article 77a 's World Cup play-off against Ireland . CNN '' s disciplinary committee concluded there was `` no legal foundation '' for them to deal with the case . Henry 's handball in the run-up to Thierry Henry decisive goal ended Irish hopes of reaching the World Cup finals .