Irish government should not interfere in soccer

France's Prime Minister said Thursday the Irish government should not interfere in footballing decisions as the fall-out from the World Cup handball affair became a political affair.

- Neither the French government nor the Irish government should interfere in the functioning of the international federation - said Francois Fillon, referring to world football's governing body FIFA.

The comment came just as Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen called on FIFA to order Wednesday's controversial World Cup qualifying match with France to be replayed.

Cowen, speaking from Brussels, said he would raise the issue with President Nicolas Sarkozy at a Brussels summit.

Video replays showed striker Thierry Henry used his hand in the build-up to a William Gallas goal that sent France to next summer's World Cup finals in South Africa, and asked if he backed the Football Association of Ireland's call for a re-match, Cowen said - Yes, I do. -

Irish Justice Minister Dermot Ahern had also suggested here that Ireland appeal to FIFA for a replay of the game.

The Football Association of Ireland has also called on FIFA to agree to a replay of the match.

Fillon, speaking to reporters during a trip to the northeastern city of Reims, added that - it is true that we really suffered yesterday and that we preferred the away match - with Ireland last Saturday in Dublin.

France won that first leg match against Ireland.