Football chiefs today delivered the final insult to our national football team.

As the ‘Hand of Henry’ saga gathers momentum around the world, UEFA effectively seeded us out of contention for the 2012 European Championships.

With David Beckham now adding his voice behind the Irish fans, UEFA ranked the team 25th in Europe – even below Bulgaria, who we beat into third place in our last qualifying group.

Battle

Giovanni Trapattoni's men will now face a massive uphill battle to qualify for the next European Championships.

The news comes as FIFA moved to squash hopes of replaying Wednesday's controversial game because it would “cause absolute chaos for football”.

Chances of a rematch have faded rapidly with the decision now likely to fall to the French Football Federation (FFF).

However, the Herald understands that they are highly unlikely to even consider such a move because of the financial implications of losing.

David Beckham has now also entered the controversy by defending Thierry Henry, saying: “I don't think he is a cheat.”

The former England captain said: “I honestly didn't think Thierry meant it. I know him as a player and a person. He's a good person and a great player.

Shame

“It's a shame to see Ireland go out because they have such great fans but these things happen in football.”

But pressure was mounting on the FFF to at least comment today after they boAsted about World Cup qualification on their official website.

The Federation even quotes captain Henry at length without giving any mention to the blatant double handball.

A source within FIFA has said: “There is no way the game can be replayed. To do so would cause absolute chaos for football.

If it was replayed, then every match in the future would also be subject to these calls for a replay any time a referee misses an incident.”

The organisation continues to argue that Law Five of their rulebook says a referee's decision is final. But they have not made any reference to their Fair Play Code which states: “Winning is without value if victory has been achieved unfairly or dishonestly.”

Its number one rule says: “Cheating is easy, but brings no pleasure. Playing fair requires courage and character. It is also more satisfying. Fair play always has its reward, even when the game is lost.

“Playing fair earns respect, while cheating only brings shame. Remember: it is only a game. And games are pointless unless played fairly.”

The story became massive news across the world yesterday as the FAI lodged a formal complaint to FIFA.

And as the row rumble, there was more disappointing news for Ireland as UEFA –who govern European football – seeded Ireland 25th in the continent.

Trapattoni's team are still ranked four places behind Bulgaria who finished third in our qualifying group.

Impact

The official result of the Stade de France game – which states that Ireland lost – has had a direct impact on the rating.

It means that Ireland will have to play the likes of Spain and Greece if they are to make it to Poland-Ukraine 2012.

France have slipped from fifth to eighth in the ranking but will still be in the top pool.

They put their new World Cup jersey on sale yesterday and have already finalised multi-million euro sponsorship deals for South Africa.

And Nike has handed over €42m to the FFF to supply their post-World Cup kit.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has refused to get involved in the controversy, despite the fact that the Government have called for a replay.

- Kevin Doyle