The Republic of Ireland were this morning awaiting an answer to a request to have their World Cup clash with France replayed.

Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney has called on FIFA to step in to preserve the game's "integrity" after France's controversial play-off victory over Giovanni Trapattoni's men.

However, while FIFA have confirmed they have received and are considering a formal request from the FAI for a replay, they appear unlikely to grant Delaney's wish.

A FIFA source told Press Association Sport: "There is no way the game can be replayed.

"To do so would cause absolute chaos for football. If it was replayed, then every match in the future would also be subject to these calls for a replay any time a referee misses an incident.

"FIFA's rules are absolutely clear. Law 5 states that a referee's decision on points of fact is final. That is the end of it. You cannot replay the match on this basis.

"You have to have a rule that says the referee's judgement is always right."

The request came after match referee Martin Hansson failed to spot France skipper Thierry Henry handling the ball before crossing for William Gallas' extra-time header.

Gallas' goal tied the scores on the night and put the French through courtesy of their 1-0 win at Croke Park on Saturday.

Irish protests on the pitch fell on deaf ears and there were scathing reactions from management and players alike over Henry, Mr Hansson and FIFA regarding the incident - coming as it did in the wake of the seeding row which erupted long before a ball was kicked in the tie.

Delaney said: "We have got to do what we have to do.

"We owe it to the players, who were magnificent. The supporters were incredible.

"It is up to the people who govern the game now. Every time I go to a FIFA congress, I hear about fair play and integrity.

"This was not a league game. This was a defining game with the whole world watching and if FIFA believe in fair play and integrity, this is their opportunity to step forward.

"From the French FA point of view, they need to look at themselves in this situation.

"Henry is their captain and a wonderful footballer, but does he want to be like Diego Maradona and his legacy to be this handball, this goal that got them to the World Cup in an unjust manner?"