Rugby

Bernard Laporte to resign as French Federation president

Laporte questioned about financial wrongdoing after being convicted of influence peddling and illegally acquiring assets

Bernard Laporte appears to be about to step down as FFR president. Photograph: Lorraine O’Sullivan/PA

Fri Jan 27 2023 - 09:28

Bernard Laporte is to resign as president of the French Rugby Federation (FFR), a source with direct knowledge of the matter said on Friday.

Laporte stepped aside last month after being convicted of influence peddling and illegally acquiring assets. Police questioned him on Tuesday about allegations of additional financial wrongdoing, which he denied.

[  Bernard Laporte’s corruption conviction is another blow to rugby’s core values ]

The 58-year-old had given up his role as president, meaning he could not take part in board meetings or sign official documents, after being convicted in mid-December, and suggested a temporary replacement in Patrick Buisson.

His proposal, however, was rejected on Thursday by the clubs' presidents, who were asked by the federation to validate, or reject Laporte's choice.

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"He told the board he was going to step down," the source, who declined to be identified because they are not at liberty to discuss the matter, said.

France hosts this year’s Rugby World Cup from September 8th to October 28th.

(c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2023

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