The Republic of Ireland have asked to be allowed into next year's World Cup as a 33rd team.

The 32 qualifiers for the tournament have already been decided and the draw for the group stages will take place in South Africa on Friday.

Ireland missed out on qualification for the finals after losing 2-1 on aggregate to France in their play-off after finishing second in their group.

France’s winning goal came after a clear handball by Thierry Henry. The Football Association of Ireland asked for the game to be replayed, and after Fifa rejected that request have suggested they could be allowed into the final anyway.

"We received a delegation from Ireland at and they were naturally absolutely unhappy at what has happened. They know the match cannot be replayed and the decision of the referee is final," said the Fifa president Sepp Blatter at a keynote speech during the Soccerex football business conference, which opened in South Afirca on Monday.

“Naturally they have not asked for any sanctions to be given to any player or the referee, but they have asked, very humbly 'can't we be team No.33 at the World Cup? They have asked for that, really.

"I will bring it to the attention of the executive committee. I cannot confirm what will happen, but I will report it to the executive committee."

Blatter also said that the executive committee, meeting in South Africa this week, would consider using additional assistant referees during the finals, which run from Friday June 11 to Sunday July 11a controversial 2-1 aggregate victory.

"Match control is now on the agenda. How can we avoid the cheating handball situation we had in that match?" he added.