This is one of the many cases that taint the world of professional sport in France today. If they multiply in football, between the extortion attempt of which Paul Pogba would be the victim and the completely crazy affair which surrounds the aggression of Kheira Hamraoui, the world of rugby has its eyes riveted on the trial which shakes the highest bodies of the French Rugby Federation (FFR). For more than a week, the trial of five of the most influential men in this popular sport in France has been held in Paris, at the national financial prosecutor’s office. Among them, the most famous is undoubtedly Bernard Laportecurrent president of the FFR and former coach of the France team.
In question, the image contract signed by the federation with the company of Mohed Altrad, president of the Montpellier club and very influential man in French rugby. Prosecuted for influence peddling, corruption, illegal taking of interests and abuse of social property, Bernard Laporte and the Franco-Syrian businessman have just heard the requisitions of the prosecutors against them and the penalties requested are heavy. Manon Laporte’s husband incurs up to 3 years in prison, 2 of which are suspended, as well as a fine of 50,000 euros and several other sanctions related to his professional activity. “Yes, the requisitions are heavy. But commensurate with the complete lack of questioning of the defendants, the duration and the seriousness of the offenses”the prosecutor said at the time of the announcement.
Bernard Laporte ready to appeal
A very heavy sentence for the friend of the late Christophe Dominici, who did not react directly, but one of his advisers, Jean-Pierre Versini-Campinchi, indicated that “all the parties were going to ask for the release”. Obviously very sure of himself, he also described the requisitions as excessive and insignificant. In any case, according to information from the Parisianif ever Bernard Laporte were to be convicted, he would appeal and a second trial should take place, certainly after the World Cup which will take place in France in 2023.
Bernard Laporte remains presumed innocent of the charges against him until the final judgment of this case.