Soccer-Irish FA calls for France playoff to be replayed

DUBLIN Nov 19 (Reuters) - The Football Association of Ireland on Thursday called on soccer's world governing body FIFA to order a replay of the controversial World Cup playoff against France.

France booked their place in next year's World Cup finals with a 1-1 draw in Paris on Wednesday after striker Thierry Henry appeared to handle the ball in the build-up to the French 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," a statement read.

(Editing by Miles Evans; To query or comment on this story emailsportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)