The head of the International Olympic Committee says a controversy over regional handball qualifiers for the Beijing Olympics should be decided by the International Handball Federation (IHF).

The Associated Press quoted IOC President Jacques Rogge as saying the replay of the Asian qualifiers followed the rules of the world governing body.

After South Korea and Japan raised allegations that the original matches were rigged, the IHF ordered a replay despite objections by the Asian Handball Federation.

Rogge said the conflict between the international and regional bodies should be defused by following IHF rules.

A rematch for the women's teams was held Tuesday and the men's teams will play Wednesday. The Asian federation has urged both countries to boycott the rematches.