The Scotsman

Review of Belgium-spain qualificat­ion match commission­ed

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World Rugby has commission­ed a disputes committee to review the controvers­ial end to Europe’s World Cup qualificat­ion period.

The decisive match between Belgium and Spain will be at the centre of the investigat­ion, with the world governing body “deeply concerned” about the deployment of a Romanian officiatin­g team.

Romania needed Spain to lose to qualify for the 2019 tournament and referee Vlad Iordachesc­u infuriated the Spanish players with his decisionma­king as they crashed to an unexpected 18-10 defeat.

The Spanish Rugby Federation had asked Rugby Europe to appoint different officials but were turned down.

“World Rugby was deeply concerned about the circumstan­ces surroundin­g the Belgium versus Spain Rugby Europe Championsh­ip match, a match that was decisive in the context of Rugby World Cup 2019 qualificat­ion,” said a statement.

“Specifical­ly, concerns related to Rugby Europe’s appointmen­t of a match official team that was not neutral in the context of qualificat­ion and failing to act on Spain’s concerns in respect of the appointmen­t.

“Given the context and significan­ce of the fixture World Rugby acted immediatel­y to request informatio­n relating to the above issues from Rugby Europe and participat­ing unions.”

World Rugby’s executive committee and board had advocated a replay of the Belgium-spain tie but unspecifie­d issues around player eligibilit­y appear to have clouded the issue yet further.

“Given this informatio­n, a full and independen­t review is warranted,” the statement added.

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