Rugby
Police raid headquarters of the French Rugby Federation
Searches went underway as part of an investigation into suspicion of favoritism directed at FFR’s president Bernard Laporte.
According to information from LeParisien, the headquarters of the French Rugby Federation (FFR) in Marcoussis, Paris, were raided by police on Tuesday morning.
Simultaneously, a similar operation at the Parisian home of Bernard Laporte, FFR’s president, went underway.
The raids were part of an investigation regarding an alleged conflict of interest involving Laporte.
He is accused of showing undue favoritism to Top 14 side Montpellier, which is owned by Laporte’s friend Mohad Altrad.
Favoritism to Montpellier
Laporte has been accused of putting pressure on the rugby federation’s appeals to reduce sanctions against Montpellier.
Last June, a fine against Montpellier for allowing fans to display banners protesting against the proposed merger between Racing 92 and Stade Francais was reduced from 70,000 euros to 20,000 euros.
After a three-month investigation, the French sports minister, Laura Flessel, said that Laporte contacted the appeal commission’s president on June 30, a phone call that resulted in a change of decision from commission members.
Allegations came after it was revealed that Laporte’s company, BL Communication, signed an image rights contract with Altrad Group, the eponymous group of Montpellier owner, Mohad Altrad.
Earlier this month, Altrad Group secured shirt sponsorship rights for the French national rugby team.