Euro 2024 rocked by 'fix' allegation as former player claims two countries have arranged draw for next match

Euro 2024

Romania and Slovakia will face off at Euro 2024 on Wednesday

GETTY
Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 25/06/2024

- 10:31

Updated: 25/06/2024

- 12:43

There is nothing to substantiate the claims from former Romania star Danut Lupu

Former Romania star Danut Lapu has claimed his country and Slovakia have agreed to draw their upcoming match at Euro 2024.

The wild allegation, which is unfounded, has been made with both sides hoping to qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament in Germany.


Hungary and Croatia have already finished third in their respective groups, meaning it's now guaranteed four points will be enough for other sides to go through.

Romania have beaten Ukraine and lost to Belgium in their first two matches.

Euro 2024

Romania and Slovakia will face off at Euro 2024 on Wednesday

GETTY

And Slovakia shocked Belgium with a 1-0 win in their first match before losing to Ukraine.

All three teams have three points, meaning a draw between Slovakia and Romania would see both sides qualify.

And Lapu has claimed both sides have arranged for the result to be a draw as they prepare to take to the pitch on Wednesday.

Per AS.Ro, he 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!

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"At that level the players get along very well! Why risk it? Why get in an accident?"

There is nothing to substantiate Lapu's comments.

And Romania forward Valentin Mihaila has insisted his side want to pick up all three points, instead of just one, as they look to reach the last 16.

"You can't go into a match mentally as a player, as a team, with the thought of drawing," he said.

"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.

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"We have to go in with the mindset of winning the game and I think we can do that."

With Ukraine having a negative goal difference, neither Romania or Slovakia can finish bottom of the group with a draw.

Romania boss Edward Iordanescu, meanwhile, wants his side to 'make history' by putting tomorrow night's opponents to the sword.

They haven't made the knockout stages of a European Championships since Euro 2000, when they famously stunned England.

And Iordanescu said: "It would mean history. It would be a fantastic example for what football and sport means in Romania.

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Danut Lapu

Former Romania star Danut Lapu made the unsubstantiated claims about the Euro 2024 match to Romanian TV

ANTENATV

"After the first game, the whole country was behind our team. It really helped our people.

"I can feel happiness and hope for all Romanians. That motivates us even more."

There are four Euro 2024 games on tonight.

France and Poland lock horns at 5pm, with Didier Deschamps' side looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the competition.

Netherlands and Austria kick off at the same time, with both sides fighting to go through.

Romania

Romania and Slovakia both have three points as they prepare to meet at Euro 2024

PA

Denmark and Serbia do battle at 8pm.

And England face Slovenia looking to silence their critics after two disappointing displays in Germany so far.

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