The Republic of Ireland have admitted defeat in their efforts to get a replay of their World Cup play-off clash with France.

Having seen FIFA reject their appeals to have the second leg of the tie replayed because of Thierry Henry's handball in the run-up to William Gallas' decisive goal, the Football Association of Ireland, backed by both French skipper Henry and Ireland captain Robbie Keane, had turned to the French Football Federation.

However, the FFF have ruled out the possibility, and France will now take their place in next summer's finals in South Africa while Ireland will remain at home, the victims of what they believe has been a gross miscarriage of justice.

FAI chief executive John Delaney said today: "We regret that despite our best efforts for a replay, which would have restored the integrity of the game in front of a world-wide audience, our calls appear to have fallen on deaf ears at the French Football Federation.

"Without doubt, the credibility of fair play has been damaged by this incident in front of a worldwide audience.

"Despite our deep disappointment, we thank our players, the wonderful Irish fans and the Irish public at large for their support, as well as the solidarity of the French people.

"We will continue to call on FIFA to take action to ensure that such damaging examples of cheating are not allowed to recur.

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The FAI launched their bid in the face of an international outcry over the way Ireland's World Cup dreams were torn apart at the Stade de France on Wednesday evening.

Trailing 1-0 from the first leg at Croke Park last Saturday, Giovanni Trapattoni's men levelled the aggregate scores through Keane's 32nd-minute equaliser and then had chances to win the tie in the 90 minutes.

However, the game ultimately went into extra-time and was eventually decided when William Gallas bundled home Henry's 103rd-minute cross.

The Irish players, led by keeper Shay Given, immediately protested to Swedish referee Martin Hansson that Henry had handled before picking out his team-mate, and television replays confirmed that he had done so twice.

But neither the official nor his assistant had spotted the offence, and the goal stood.

To a man, the Ireland players who spoke to the media after the final whistle branded Henry a cheat, and the Frenchman later admitted he had handled the ball.

However, despite popular support for a replay, FIFA insisted they could not accede to the FAI's request, and the FFF were not willing to do so either.