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No replay for Republic of Ireland

Author: Lynda Collins
Date: 21/11/2009
Football betting

The Republic of Ireland have failed with an appeal to FIFA to have their controversial World Cup qualifying play-off against France replayed.

The Football Association of Ireland had called on the game's global governing body to sanction a replay of their play-off second-leg against France in Paris after Wednesday's first encounter ended in contentious circumstances.

France captain Thierry Henry admitted to handling the ball before crossing for William Gallas to score the extra-time equaliser which eventually saw Les Bleus progress to next summer's finals in South Africa.

But following an appeal from the FAI to replay the game, FIFA have issued a statement in which they claim a second bite of the cherry for the Irish is impossible.

"In the reply, FIFA states that the result of the match cannot be changed and the match cannot be replayed," it read.

"As is clearly mentioned in the 'Laws of the Game', during matches, decisions are taken by the referee and these decisions are final."

How far will France get in the World Cup? - Latest Football Betting

Following the statement, an embarrassed Henry conceded that the Republic of Ireland were deserving of a replay.

"Naturally I feel embarrassed at the way that we won and feel extremely sorry for the Irish who definitely deserve to be in South Africa," said the Barcelona striker.

"Of course the fairest solution would be to replay the game but it is not in my control."

Elsewhere, online betting favourite Lee Westwood is two shots clear of the field at the halfway stage of golf's Dubai World Championship after late errors by Rory McIlroy and Padraig Harrington.

McIlroy looked certain to be the leader after two rounds when he shot a front nine 31 but then three-putted the 14th and 15th as he eventually fired a 69, the same score as Westwood.

Harrington then appeared to take charge only to endure a disastrous final hole when he put two balls in the water and eventually limped to a double bogey seven.

Harrington is joint second with McIlroy, England's Ross McGowan, Colombian Camilo Villegas, Australia's first round leader Robert Allenby and South African Louis Oosthuizen.

Meanwhile, in Formula One, Jenson Button has revealed that he has taken a pay cut after agreeing to leave Brawn and team up with fellow Englishman Lewis Hamilton at McLaren.

Button is looking forward to competing with Hamilton, who he succeeded as world champion.

"I thought the challenge of going up against Lewis in his environment would be exciting," he said.

"I'm earning less than I would have at Brawn, so it's not for money - everyone involved knows that's the case."

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