Bernard Laporte

The relationship between Laporte, FFR president, and Mohed Altrad was investigated and subsequently tried over matters including an image rights contract, federation decisions and partnerships. On 13 December 2022, Laporte was sentenced to two years' imprisonment, suspended, a 75 000-euro fine and a two-year ban from rugby-related positions for several offences, including passive corruption, influence peddling and illegal taking of interest. He appealed.

Attribution

Accused

In November 2023, Mohed Altrad recruited Bernard Laporte as Montpellier's director of rugby, although both men had been convicted together at first instance in the Laporte–Altrad affair. In 2024, distrust of the Altrad–Laporte management among several of the club's commercial partners was publicly reported.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Role of the person profiled

Protagonist not prosecuted

The LNR sanctioned Laporte following his public remarks about refereeing in a Toulon–Grenoble match: a thirteen-week ban from the bench, dressing rooms and official corridors. RC Toulon was also fined.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

The LNR disciplinary committee sanctioned Bernard Laporte following an incident classified as an « action against an official ». He received a sixty-day ban on entering certain official areas on match days and a fine.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Operators of the Gujan-Mestras casino filed a complaint in 2007 alleging that Laporte had offered to use his political contacts in exchange for a shareholding. A preliminary investigation into attempted extortion was opened and then closed without further action in March 2008 because the offence had not been sufficiently established.

Attribution

Accused

In 2007, press revelations concerning suspected tax irregularities in companies in which Laporte held interests prompted investigations or further checks. Le Monde subsequently recalled that the tax investigation concerning him had been closed in 2008.

State of the evidence

Reported by the press

Before becoming Secretary of State for Sport, Bernard Laporte held, in particular, 50 % of a company operating a casino and interests in several businesses. The situation prompted public debate over potential conflicts of interest involving administrative authorisations in the casino sector.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

During the 2007 Rugby World Cup, Laporte remained head coach of the French national team although his future appointment as Secretary of State for Sport had already been announced. The temporary overlap between his sporting role, private interests and political connections fuelled debate over independence and conflicting responsibilities.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated