“I do not see why I should go. It would mean that I recognize the facts that I am blamed,” explains in the “JDD” the boss of the FFR, who appealed Justice decision pronounced on December 13.
mo12345lemonde with AFP
The president of the French Rugby Federation (FFR), Bernard Laporte, sentenced on December 13 to two years in prison sentence for corruption, refuses to leave his post, insofar as he appealed the decision, he says in an interview with Sunday newspaper December 18.
“I am a legalist: I do not see why I should go. It would mean that I recognize the facts that I am accused of. Impossible”, retorts Mr. Laporte to those who push him to leave Its functions at the head of the FFR.
In post since the end of 2016, the president of the federation, re -elected in 2020 for a four -year term, was found guilty of five of the six offenses for which he was prosecuted, including passive corruption and influence traffic.
Since he appealed the decision of the Paris Criminal Court, his suspended prison sentence, as well as the prohibition to exercise the activity of president of the FFR for a period of two years, are not Not immediately enforceable.
But since the judgment, many voices have been raised to ask him to leave, including the Minister of Sports Amélie Oudéa-Castera, the National Rugby League (LNR) or even the Federal Ethics and Ethics of the FFR.
“I am sure to be innocent”
To all, Mr. Laporte, 58, opposes an end of inadmissibility, in his interview with the JDD. “They have the right to say what they want, I am sure to be innocent. In addition, there are statutes, so we respect them. If 30 % of clubs and voices require an extraordinary general meeting, And that two thirds of the registrants vote for the resignation of the steering committee, so there can be new elections, “he said.
Asked about the interview he must soon have with the minister, Bernard Laporte replies that he knows her “a little” and that he has “nothing against her”. “I got it on the phone, I’m going to go see her and we’re going to discuss her. In any event, she does not prevent me from presenting myself again to elections,” he said. >
Friday, in a three-page letter, the Federal Committee for Ethics and Ethics of the Federation asked the former coach of the XV of France to” put themselves backwardly, conservatory until decision final criminal “.
“I obviously take into account his decision, which will be submitted to the Federal Office as quickly as we can convene,” replied Mr. Laporte, questioned about this opinion. According to information from the France-Presse agency, this federal office must be held by the end of year celebrations.