The Irish FA has called on FIFA to "step up to the plate" and order a replay of the controversial World Cup play-off against France.
France booked their place in next year's World Cup finals with a 1-1 draw in Paris, but striker Thierry Henry handled the ball before setting up France's crucial extra-time goal.
"The blatantly incorrect decision by the referee to award the goal has damaged the integrity of the sport and we now call on FIFA, as the world governing body for our sport, to organise for this match to be replayed," an FAI statement read.
And FAI chief executive John Delaney urged FIFA to uphold their own stated principles of fair play.
"I really believe the integrity of the game has been questioned," Delaney said.
"The governing body of world football have to step up to the plate and accede to our call for a replay."
Irish Justice minister Dermot Ahern had led initial calls for the World Cup play-off match to be replayed, and Ireland assistant manager Liam Brady backed the idea, saying the team would be happy to play.
"They probably won't grant it as we are minnows in world football but let's put them (FIFA) on the spot," said Ahern.
"It's the least we owe the thousands of devastated young fans around the country.
"Otherwise, if that result remains, it reinforces the view that if you cheat, you will win.
"Thierry Henry has admitted handling the ball, claims he told the ref he handled it.
"Millions of people worldwide saw it was a blatant double handball - not to mention a double offside - and we should put the powers that be in the cosy world of FIFA on the spot and demand a replay."
Brady said that the team would be delighted to have a rematch - but was convinced FIFA would never allow it.
"It will not come to that but we would be willing to go to Paris, on their home ground, and have a fair winner," he added.
"When you look at the film I think he kept the ball in play and he meant it. I wouldn't go down the road of saying it was cheating, the players seek every advantage they can.
"I wouldn't blame Thierry Henry for what went on: I would look at what happened three months before and the fact that the seedings for the play-offs were made to favour the bigger teams like France, Portugal, Germany or Russia."
Republic of Ireland player Sean St Ledger agreed with Brady about his willingness to play again.
"Without a doubt (but) I don't think it's going to happen realistically," he said. "Of course we would all like it to be replayed."
St Ledger added that he does not hold anything against handball culprit Henry.
"He is a world-class player and he has had a great career," he said.
"I suppose if roles were reversed and it was one of our players we wouldn't be moaning too much.
"I'm not too sure you can put too much blame on the player."
Yes! Ye wuz robbed..... Your Uncle Jock telephoned me today, using his most highest the queens English , bitched and moaned to me about the French.... the hand of god ..... all over again.......
At least they never raped your national anthem like they did to the SOuth African rugby side....
But Yes, we send our condolences to our Irish Cousins..... tis' indded a sad state of affairs..... So Jock and I will be having a fish braai at 13h00 2morrow and we will be drinking Guiness and Kilkenny, yes, we imported some stuff into Spar..... send the pics 2 morrow....
Rhona, you and the rest of the Irish footballing nation have been let down by the organisers of this magnificent sport, FIFA.
In my eyes, France should be disqualified from 2010 World Cup, as this is a blatant piece of cheating. Or what they could do is have a replay from when this offence occured until the end of extra time, a period of I think about 16 minutes.As Mister Henry did admit to using his hand, he should be banned for some lenghty games, if not all of the games to be held in South Africa. He had ample time to tell the referee that he was guilty of the offence, not wait until it was shown around the world and then "own up" to this cheating. Is this not another case of the Maradonna incident back in the 80's..............
Rhona, Mike I agree with all you have stated !! it shows in sport that if you are in the top league you can get away with anything, to the young watching this sport what message does it send to them.
You can cheat and get away with it !!..................I wonder who is big enough in the FIFA organization to stand up and say enough is enough.
This goal scored by Thierry Henry was a blatant cheat its a red card offence which is a automatic send off .............maybe we are looking at the wrong people.
Why?? in these big matches, with all the TVs filming their every move and the fourth official sat in front of a TV screen do the Referee's get it wrong, I know a lot of arguments about using TV as a Referee, all the other sports have had to incorporate this technology.
From Wikipedia
"The vast majority of referees are amateur, though they are usually paid a small fee and/or expenses for their services. However, in some countries a limited number of referees – who mainly officiate in their country's top division – are employed full-time by their national associations and receive a retainer at the start of every season plus match fees.
Referees are licensed and trained by the same National organizations that are members of FIFA. Each National organization recommends its top officials to FIFA to have the additional honor of being named a FIFA official. International games between National teams require FIFA officials. Otherwise, the local National organization determines the manner of training, ranking and advancement of officials from the youngest youth games through professional matches."
If you look at the salary of these guys (Referee's) and look at the salary's of those who they are officiating...............................makes you wonder..................................Frank.
Oops!! nearly forgot...................................... image04