Euro 2024 facing potential backlash as claims emerge that two teams 'have arranged' to draw their final group-stage game
Euro 2024 could be set to be clouded with controversy, as two nations have allegedly agreed to play out to a draw in the final group game to ensure qualification.
Following Croatia's 1-1 draw with Italy and Hungary's 1-0 win over Scotland, two sides in Group E have been put in an extremely unique position.
Group E has already made a piece of Euro history this summer, as it became the first-ever group to have all four nations sit on four points ahead of the final matchday.
Since Hungary and Croatia have already finished third with three and two points respectively, it is now guaranteed that four points will be enough for both Romania and Slovakia to advance.
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That's because, in the event of a goalless draw, Ukraine would have to beat Belgium by at least two goals in order to qualify.
In that scenario, Belgium would drop to the bottom of the group on points.
If Belgium beat Ukraine and Slovakia draw with Romania, then Ukraine would be eliminated on points.
If both matches ended in draws, then Ukraine will be eliminated on goal difference. Head-to-head tie-breakers don't work in Group E due to the conflicting results so far.
Following the rather concerning revelation, former Romania international, Danut Lupu, has claimed Romania and Slovakia have agreed to draw the match purposely
Speaking via AS.Ro, the 57-year-old, who retired with 14 caps for Romania between 1989 and 1998, said: "We will qualify, draw with Slovakia.
"It's arranged, it would be a shame if we both didn't go. Why risk it? Would be a shame!
"At that level the players get along very well! Why risk it? Why get in an accident?," he explained.
It is important to note that there is zero indication that Lupu's comments are in any way linked to either country and Romanian attacker Valentin Mihaila has dispelled rumours the sides would be working together.
"You can't go into a match mentally as a player, as a team, with the thought of drawing," he explained.
"If it is 0-0 in the 91st minute and the tied score qualifies us both, yes ... but I don't want to do calculations."
Mihaila's comments were backed up by Romanian manager Edward Iordănescu who told the media: "Romania will play to beat Slovakia tomorrow. We want to win and qualify from the 1st place in Group E. Simple as that"
SPORTbible have reached out to UEFA for comment.
Tom Jenkins