Bolton manager Gary Megson has waded into the controversy surrounding the Republic of Ireland's defeat by France in a World Cup play-off by rounding on FIFA.

The former world champions were expected to qualify automatically but instead finished runners-up to Serbia in their group. And Megson believes it unjust that world football's governing body opted to seed teams like France in the play-offs.

He said: "I think that is a little bit out of order. With all due respect France have made a bit of a mess of it, not to qualify outright. Ireland, though, have been fantastic in what they did. Their reward was to be stuck in against another huge team. It was really unfair on them. Perhaps they should have been seeded."

Thierry Henry's handball which led to the winner has prompted widespread calls for video technology to be introduced.

UEFA, meanwhile, have employed extra assistants behind the goal in Europa League games this season.

Megson said: "Maybe that could be one option but I have seen Europa League games and nothing has been brought into practice yet.

"Until we get to a point where everyone can see what the camera sees from all different angels we are going to have to accept it. I am so sorry for Ireland that the goal happened in that manner."