Spain have been stripped of their 2023 Rugby World Cup place after World Rugby deemed they used an ineligible player during qualification.
The side confirmed a World Cup spot for the first time in 24 years in March but will now be replaced in Pool B by Romania.
It is the second successive World Cup at which Spain have lost their place, for the same offence.
They still have 14 days in which to appeal the decision.
A 10-point penalty applied to Spain in the European qualification tournament means Portugal are now also in a position to reach the World Cup.
While Romania advance automatically in place of Spain, Portugal can now secure their place through a final qualification tournament in November.
Romania last played at the World Cup in 2015, while Portugal’s only appearance at the tournament came in 2007.
Spain were given a £25,000 fine and will now also have to pay a £50,000 suspended fine from a previous eligibility breach. (BBC Sport)