France's Olympic water polo team cleared by FINA

Posted April 27, 2016 7:00 am

The Associated Press

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) - The governing body of swimming says no action will be taken against France's water polo team for supposedly losing an Olympic qualifier on purpose to get a preferred opponent in the next round.

FINA says the case is closed "without any further consequences."

France lost to Canada 13-5 in a group match at the men's qualifying tournament in Italy this month. Both teams advanced to the quarterfinals, where the four winners would qualify for the Rio de Janeiro Games.

Canada then lost to former Olympic champion Spain, and France beat the Netherlands, repeating its victory from the European Championships in January.

FINA says the decision was made after consultations with the FINA technical water polo committee, disciplinary panel and ethics panel.

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