In a statement on their official Web site FIFA stated : `` The result of the match can not be changed and the match can not be replayed . FIFA turned down a request from the Irish Football Association ( FAI ) to replay their deciding World Cup play - off game against France . FIFA : ` ` The result of the match can not be changed and the match can not be replayed '' French President Nicolas Sarkozy said : ` ` I was sorry for [ this ] but do not ask me to stand in for the referee of the match '' NEW : Former Ireland captain Roy Keane accuses FAI of hyprocrisy in their appeal to FIFA .
FIFA turned down a request from the Irish Football Association ( FAI ) to replay their deciding World Cup play - off game against France . FIFA : ` ` The result of the match can not be changed and the match can not be replayed '' French President Nicolas Sarkozy said : ` ` I was sorry for [ this ] but do not ask me to stand in for the referee of the match '' NEW : Former Ireland captain Roy Keane accuses FAI of hyprocrisy in their appeal to FIFA .