French water polo team being investigated for tanking vs. Canada

A file photo of a 2009 match between the Italian and French water polo teams. (Alessandra Tarantino/AP)

LAUSANNE, Switzerland – The French men’s water polo team is being investigated for possibly playing to lose an Olympic qualifying match to get a preferred opponent in the next round.

FINA says it is "investigating this matter."

France lost 13-5 to Canada in a group-stage match at the qualifying tournament in Italy last week.

A match report on FINA’s website said "Canada was more interested to win this match."

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.

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