French rugby federation president Bernard Laporte was handed a two-year suspended sentence in a corruption case involving a billionaire club owner, just nine months before the World Cup kicks off in France, his lawyer said today.
Laporte, who is also World Rugby’s vice-chairman, was found guilty of passive corruption, influence peddling, illegal interest taking and misuse of corporate assets by a court in Paris.
Laporte was banned from holding any position in rugby for two years but his lawyer Jean-Pierre Versini-Campinchi said he would appeal the ruling, meaning the former France coach and sports minister can keep his top job at the federation in the meantime.
Mohed Altrad, the owner and president of Montpellier rugby club, was also found guilty of active corruption, influence peddling, and misuse of corporate assets, L’Equipe newspaper reported. He was handed an 18-month suspended prison sentence, as well as a 50,000-euro fine, the newspaper said.
Altrad Group has been the front jersey sponsor for the All Blacks, Black Ferns and other national rugby sides since the start of this year following a six-year deal announced last August worth over $120 million. The deal also reportedly includes player agreements and fixtures in Montpellier.