France says ‘Non’

A FRESH and final appeal by the FAI for a replay of the World Cup play-off game against France fell on deaf ears last night as the French Football Federation rejected the idea, citing an earlier FIFA ruling on the matter.

In a statement from their headquarters in Paris, the FFF said: “In relation to the numerous reactions registered since Wednesday evening in Ireland and in France, the FFF would like to make the three following comments:

1. “The FFF understands the disappointment and bitterness of Irish players, management and supporters. It has never sought to deny the refereeing mistake that allowed the French equalising goal to stand. From the end of the match – and because in the past French football has itself suffered from events of a similar nature – the directors of the FFF expressed their regret and sympathy to their Irish counterparts.