The French Football Federation have said they will not offer the Republic of Ireland a replay of their World Cup play-off second leg, finally bringing the so-called Hand of Frog affair to an end.

Les Bleus were 2-1 victors on aggregate but there was a clear handball from Thierry Henry in the build-up to William Gallas's deciding goal.

Fifa rejected a request from the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) for a replay, but Henry suggested in a statement on Friday that the match should take place again.

With the World Cup draw less than two weeks away, the French association say they consider the incident over.

"The decision by Fifa is final and should be respected by both federations," they said on their website.

John Delaney, the FAI chief executive, said that the Irish had accepted defeat.

"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," he said.

"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."