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French federation slams door on Paris rematch

THE French Football Federation last night definitively slammed the door on the prospect of replaying their World Cup play-off with Ireland despite the FAI's refusal to drop the case.

FIFA turn down replay request

By Mark Ogden

The FAI is considering its position on possible further action after FIFA rejected calls for a replay of Wednesday’s World Cup play-off against France.

What Keane said - The transcript

Reporter 1: Your thoughts on what happened on Wednesday night?

Wenger: We must say yes to replay for sake of game

By Daniel McDonnell

The FAI's calls for a replay of the World Cup play-off between France and Ireland received their strongest support from a surprising source yesterday -- Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Williams: O'Driscoll worthy successor

Wales winger Shane Williams believes Brian O'Driscoll should succeed him as International Rugby Board player of the year.

Robinho makes Liverpool trip

Record signing Robinho will travel to Liverpool with Manchester City on Saturday, even if the £32.5million striker is unlikely to play.

United figure out Ferdinand injury

Sir Alex Ferguson is confident Rio Ferdinand will not be consigned to a lengthy period on the sidelines after identifying the root of his current injury problems.

Fit-again Johnson gives Benitez a timely boost

By Rory Smith

LIVERPOOL full-back Glen Johnson will be fit to face Manchester City tomorrow after undergoing treatment on his strained calf at the Belgrade clinic of the controversial physio Marijana Kovacevic, who uses placenta fluid to expedite recovery from muscle injuries.

McIlroy keeps his cool in 'duel'

By Karl MacGinty

LEE WESTWOOD and Rory McIlroy are as friendly as two guys separated by 16 years can be -- yet the handshake between them on the first tee in Dubai yesterday was perfunctory, while the smile they both donned for the official photograph seemed just a little stiff.

Ronaldo and Ibrahimovic in race to be ready for showdown

REAL MADRID look set to be without Cristiano Ronaldo again when they take on Racing Santander tomorrow night as the world's most expensive player continues his efforts to overcome an ankle injury.

Inside Sport

Under-fire Hansson in line for World Cup

SWEDISH referee Martin Hansson is still on course for the World Cup finals despite his terrible error in the Stade de France on Wednesday night.

Modest Earls ready to take flight

FOR most, the Lions' opening game on last summer's tour to South Africa was a largely forgettable affair.

time soccer came of age

Last Wednesday in Paris we witnessed a sporting performance from the heart, one that made every one of us very proud to be Irish.

McBrien's passion play the key for Charlestown

CHARLESTOWN'S Ciaran McBrien insists he's actually a bit of an 'accidental manager' but, with his boundless enthusiasm, that's hard to believe.

Lehane leads goal-rush to sink Colman's

MIDLETON CBS assured themselves of a place in the quarter-finals with a comfortable victory over Cork rivals St Colman's at Mallow yesterday.

thornton leads way

Simon Thornton led the way for the Irish hopefuls in the opening round of the European Tour's qualifying school stage two in Spain yesterday.

madison TO pick up pieces if kauto bid falls apart MONET'S GARDEN HAS GROWING APPEAL IN-DEMAND RUBY KEEPS MAKING HIS OWN LUCK

It's an ungracious way to welcome back an outstanding steeplechaser. The world and his wife seem determined to oppose Kauto Star when the champion returns from his summer break at Haydock today. A fancied flop here, a beaten favourite there and the Paul Nicholls string is suddenly perceived to be vulnerable when it counts most -- on televised Saturday afternoons.