Thierry Henry handball row: FIFA will take no action against French star

• Thierry Henry's handball offence against the Republic of Ireland is not covered by FIFA's 'serious infringement' rules, the governing body said today

The Barcelona player's actions - which saw him use his lower arm to guide the ball back into play in the build up to William Gallas's winning goal - cannot be dealt with under current FIFA regulations, world football's governing body said today.

The decision means Henry, 32, will not face a suspension during the World Cup in South Africa.

A FIFA statement said: "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."

FIFA had earlier dismissed Ireland's demands for a replay of the controversial tie but did ask their disciplinary committee to investigate possible action against the former Arsenal player.

Henry's defence today argued successfully that FIFA's disciplinary code does 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.