“no irregularities” in his finances, announces the French Federation after the first conclusions of a double inspection

“No Irregularities” it was not noted in the accounts of the French Rugby Federation (FFR), suspected of budget anomalies in the period 2016-2023, by the inspectors of the ministries of finance and sport, the FFR announced on Thursday 18 May in a press release.

“On 5 May, the Federation benefited from a first summary and verbal return of the report of the general inspections. Their first conclusions on the scope of the mission were clear: no irregularities have been detected in these last seven years of management”emphasizes the FFR.

This double audit, the final conclusions of which are expected in June, was initiated following a report sent at the end of January to Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra on suspicious contracts entered into by the FFR. The ministry had decided in the process on February 3 to seize the Directorate-General for Competition and Fraud Prevention (DGCCRF), before launching, together with its Finance counterpart, a budget control mission for the federation.

Almost two months of control

According to the FFR, “the inspectors carried out a very thorough check of almost two months, having access to all internal documents of the Federation and questioning many employees and elected officials”. This check focused on “accounting, ticketing, invitation policy, remuneration policies, human resource management, mission expenses of elected officials and employees, operating costs, decision loops, contracts, competition implementation procedures, project management”further specifies the statement.

The report “It would also contain recommendations on financial management or major project management. These recommendations would allow for functional improvements if needed”finally underlines the FFR.

A troubled period before the election of a new president

The FFR is going through a troubled period internally, since the resignation of its former president, Bernard Laporte, on January 27, following his sentence (which he appealed) to two years’ suspended prison sentence for having a “bribery pact” with businessman and Montpellier club president Mohed Altrad. After his departure, elected members of the opposition had left the FFR’s steering committee in the face of refusal to organize new elections. Treasurer Alexandre Martinez has served as interim president ever since. The institution must therefore renew part of its steering committee and elect a new president. Candidates have until May 31 to declare themselves. The results will be announced on June 14.