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Freshfields acts for the Romanian Rugby Federation in Rugby World Cup 2023 qualification

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (‘Freshfields’) has acted for the Romanian Rugby Federation (‘FRR’) in a matter leading to Romania successfully qualifying for the Rugby World Cup 2023.

In proceedings before an independent judicial committee, it was found that the Spanish national team had fielded an ineligible player during two Rugby World Cup 2023 qualification matches.  The judicial committee imposed a 10-point deduction and a financial sanction on Spain.

Subject to Spain’s right of appeal, the 10-point deduction means that Romania now qualify for the Rugby World Cup 2023.  Further details can be found here.

The Freshfields team advising is led by London-based partner Rhodri Thomas and senior associate Felix Schaaf.  The firm acted alongside Cornel Popa and Dan Cristea of Romanian law firm Țuca Zbârcea & Asociații.

Freshfields’ sports group regularly advises national and international sports governing bodies, teams and investors on a range of matters from regulatory disputes to litigation to large-scale M&A transactions. 

ENDS