Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

The former Republic of Ireland football captain Roy Keane doesn't believe the integrity of the game's been harmed by the handball affair in the controversial World Cup play-off in Paris.

Keane, who famously fell out with his country's football association over their handling of the game, believes Ireland had their chances to beat France in the two-legged tie... so there's no use complaining.

Keane says if that were his team he wouldn't even mention the handball in the dressing room, and he blames the defenders for not dealing with the free kick.

French captain Thierry Henry's deliberate handball followed that set piece, leading to the decisive goal which knocked Ireland out.

And the French Football Federation has now ruled out a replay against Ireland, saying the world governing body FIFA's decision that the result should stand was final.