The model maker says Guinness World Records rejected his efforts without even looking at his 7.19m (23.6ft) model, stating two reasons for its decision.
A man has been awarded the Guinness World Record for the world’s tallest structure using matchsticks – after first having his effort rejected.
The Frenchman, Richard Plaud, had built a model of the Eiffel Tower using over 700,000 matchsticks, but said that they rejected him because the structure must be built from matches that are available to the public for purchase and don’t have flammable red tips – and they must “not be cut, disassembled or deformed to the point where they are no longer recognised” as matches.
Mr Plaud told French media outlet TFI he started off the tower with matches bought commercially, but became tired of having to cut off their red tips one by one, so ended up contacting the main French manufacturer to have the wooden rods delivered in 15kg boxes.
He says he did not know this would disqualify him from breaking the record.
Mr Plaud, 47, said he spent eight years and 4,200 hours assembling 706,900 matches to build the world’s tallest structure made of matches, measured at 7.19m (23.6ft).
After completing his piece on 27 December, Mr Plaud said he submitted an application to Guinness World Records only for it to be rejected without even being looked at.