in 1994 a second world cup was awarded to the netherlands, but constant prevarication by the irfb about whether they would (or would not) give the tournament official status caused huge problems for the hosts. without irfb support there was a fear that many unions would not send teams which would threaten the tournament (and even the dutch union's) viability. in fact the irfb went so far as to threaten sanctions against any unions did take part—thus ensuring that new zealand, sweden and germany withdrew. faced with this the risk of major losses was as too great and the dutch withdrew both as hosts and participants with barely weeks to go.