
Fifa have announced they will take no disciplinary action against Thierry Henry over his handball in France's World Cup qualification play-off against the Republic of Ireland.
The French striker's case came before Fifa after it was referred to disciplinary chiefs by the world governing body's executive committee last month.
Henry's handball in the run-up to William Gallas' decisive goal in the World Cup qualifying play-off for France led to Fifa agreeing to have another look at video evidence, as well as considering whether to take action against the 32-year-old former Arsenal player.
But Fifa have decided against taking any action, Henry's defence having argued that Fifa's disciplinary code did not give the committee the ability to punish such incidents. Under current rules, only the illegal use of a hand to prevent a goal being scored is covered in relation to possible sanctions.
Fifa said in a statement: "The disciplinary committee reached the conclusion that there was no legal foundation for the committee to consider the case because handling the ball cannot be regarded as a serious infringement as stipulated in article 77a) of the FIFA disciplinary code.
"There is no other legal text that would allow the committee to impose sanctions for any incidents missed by match officials."
The Football Association of Ireland were infuriated by the goal and demanded a replay, even suggesting they should be allowed to go to World Cup 2010 as a 33rd team.
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