World Rugby refers Bernard Laporte situation to independent ethics officer
Bernard Laporte, President of the French Rugby Federation, arrives prior to the World Rugby Awards in Monte-Carlo, Monaco last month.
World Rugby has referred Bernard Laporte’s decision to suspend himself from duty to its independent ethics officer for review after the governing body’s vice-chairman was handed a two-year suspended prison sentence on corruption charges.
Laporte, who was also the president of French rugby, has also been banned from holding any post in rugby union for two years, although that is currently suspended, pending an appeal.
“World Rugby notes the decision by World Rugby vice-chairman Bernard Laporte to self-suspend from all positions held within its governance structures with immediate effect following his conviction by the French court in relation to domestic matters, and pending his appeal,” a statement read.
“While acknowledging Laporte’s self-suspension and right of appeal, given the serious nature of the verdict World Rugby’s executive committee has referred the matter to its independent ethics officer for review in accordance with its integrity code. World Rugby will not be making further comment until the conclusion of the independent process.”
Laporte, the head of the French Rugby Federation, got a two-year suspended prison sentence and a €75,000 fine after being found guilty in a trial over influence peddling and illegally acquiring assets.
In the same verdict, the Paris criminal court also handed top division club Montpellier's owner Mohed Altrad a 18 months suspended prison sentence. The court was not immediately available for comment.
Laporte was accused of undue influence in securing a role for his friend Altrad, whose construction company sponsors the France jersey. Both men denied any wrongdoing.
Le Parisien reported Laporte was found guilty of several offences including illegal taking of interest, influence peddling, corruption and embezzlement.
He will be banned from holding any position in rugby for two years, the paper added.
Next year's Rugby World Cup will be held in France from September 8 to October 28.
The verdict can still be appealed.
World Rugby released a statement, saying: “World Rugby notes the decision of the French court to sentence Fédération Française de Rugby (FFR) President and World Rugby Vice Chairman Bernard Laporte on corruption charges which relate to domestic matters.
“The World Rugby Executive Committee will convene tonight to determine the next steps in accordance with the international federation’s Integrity Code. A further update will be made following the meeting.”
