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 turn 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 [ Ireland ] but do not ask me to stand in for the referee of the game '' NEW : *
FIFA turn 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 [ Ireland ] but do not ask me to stand in for the referee of the game '' NEW : *