"We have been deceived" - President of the Spanish Federation speaks on 2023 RWC disqualification

The president of the Spanish Federation, Alfonso Feijoo, has spoken after seeing Spain out of the World Cup after qualifying 23 years later.

Spain had qualified for the Rugby World Cup in France as the winners of Europe 2. They were set to feature in Pool B along with South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, and Asia/Pacific 1.

However, Spain have been found guilty, by an independent judicial committee appointed by World Rugby, of breaching player eligibility laws by selecting South African prop Gavin van den Berg as a replacement in two Rugby Europe Championship matches against the Netherlands.

The Spaniards claimed 43-0 and 52-7 victories in those matches but have now been deducted 5 league points for both matches and have been fined 25 000 pounds.

"Tomorrow we will give a press conference at the Higher Sports Council. We will explain how we got here.

"I as president have the responsibility, but we are not responsible. It's key, I can't say names, that we've been deceived. The club and those who have falsified documents will have to give an account. It is a criminal offence for what the lawyers have told me. There are people who have forged documents."

"We consider that it is a disproportionate sanction and we lose in the offices what we have gained in the field," he continued.

"Despite the fact that the regulations contemplate exceptional cases, Gavin van den Berg had justification for having stayed: his father had cancer, is an only child and stayed out of Spain to accompany him. His club, Alcobendas, has few explanations to give us.

"The alleged culprits have signed a document and take responsibility, but World Rugby had told us that we had to check the documents. Who is going to think that someone manipulates an official document? You learn from mistakes, paying a very expensive price."

 "We have a clear conscience, we have met all the requirements. World Rugby authorised as we did that the documentation was fine. The last responsible is the federation that presents it. Leaving the Federation is on the table, but with conditions."

Jaime Nava, former captain of the Spanish rugby team, commented on the matter:

"I must be the only idiot who had faith that this couldn't happen. I think there are a number of variables, this case has many edges. I don't even know where to start. Something has finally been achieved for 24 years; be in the elite of world rugby. A country like Spain, with all the potential it can unleash when it comes to sport."

"We were going to get a turning point for Spanish rugby and I can only define this day as a nightmare. I have been able to exchange some message, but I can't imagine how Fernando López, the coach, will be... They have earned it on the field.

"Six months ago in this country nobody believed in this National Team. The day we get into the World Cup, then yes. What has happened in Spanish rugby nobody knows: a teammate has been killed."