Rugby: Peter De Villiers cleared of misconduct charge.

South Africa coach Peter de Villiers has escaped punishment over his alleged claim that referees are under orders to favour New Zealand ahead of next year's World Cup.

De Villiers made the remarks on Australian television on July 21 after the world champion Springboks were beaten 32-12 and 31-17 by the All Blacks in their first two Tri-Nations matches of the season.During an interview on Australian TV, de Villiers appeared to suggest that officials were showing a clear bias towards the All Blacks and was summoned to appear before SANZAR (South Africa, New Zealand and Australian Rugby) judicial officer Jannie Lubbe in Cape Town last week to explain his comments and Lubbe cleared de Villiers of any wrongdoing.

"I've got my own observations about the last two tests, and I can't say it in public," De Villiers said.

"But we do have a World Cup in New Zealand next year, and maybe it was the right thing for them to win the games so they can attract more people to the games next year." The charge of misconduct was dismissed by Jannie Lubbe after a hearing last Friday.

A statement issued by SANZAR on Tuesday read: "Mr Lubbe heard the case on Friday 6 August 2010 and after considering the evidence decided that, on balance of probability, Mr De Villiers had not breached the SANZAR code of conduct.

"Mr Lubbe stated that during his interview ... Mr De Villiers never mentioned or referred to referees or match fixing." De Villiers said he was satisfied with the outcome of the hearing.

"As the verdict makes clear, at no time did I mention referees or a conspiracy and the finding has put this whole incident into context," he added in a South Africa Rugby Union media release.

De Villiers had made his controversial comments in the wake of successive defeats by the All Blacks on New Zealand soil.

He told Fox Sportsl: "I've got my own observations about the last two Tests, and I can't say it in public. But we do have a World Cup in New Zealand next year, and maybe it was the right thing for them to win the games so they can attract more people to the games next year."

South Africa, who also lost their third Tri-Nations test against Australia and cannot retain their title, next face New Zealand in Johannesburg on Aug. 21.