Circular Nº. 001/2026
Correction of the World Pairs Championship Ranking in Gruissan

The International Federation of Sport Sea Fishing (FIPS-MER) has issued Circular No. 001/2026 regarding the World Pairs Championship held in Gruissan, France.

According to the tie-break parameters integrated into the application, during the third round, the tie-break incorrectly favoured Portugal, awarding them the victory for that round. However, after adjusting the application parameters in accordance with the official regulations, the tie-break is in favour of Spain.

From a statistical point of view, this was an unlikely situation with a significant impact on the final ranking. The correction of the tie-break criterion for the third round modifies the final classification, placing Spain in first position as World Champion and Portugal in second position.

After examining, discussing and studying all possible options, and with the aim of recognising the error, the sporting achievement and the values of fair play and team spirit, FIPS-MER has decided:

To maintain the gold medal awarded to the Portuguese team, who received it with full honours during the closing ceremony, so that it remains part of their record, as they were not responsible for the situation.
To award the gold medal of World Champion to the Spanish team and to offer them an apology for having been deprived of the pride of standing on the podium and listening to their national anthem.

Juan Antonio Barreda,

President of FIPS-MER.

FIPS-MER Circular No. 001/2026: Correction of the World Pairs Championship Ranking in Gruissan