Rugby: The Australian federation and Folau settled their dispute over his dismissal

Sydney (AFP)

The fallen star of the Wallabies Israel Folau and the Australian Federation have reached an agreement to put an end to his legal challenge to his dismissal following his homophobic remarks, they said Wednesday in a joint statement.

A 30-year-old evangelical Christian fervent, Folau caused an uproar in mid-April after posting a message on his Instagram account: "Drunkards, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists, idolaters, Hell Waiting for you, repent, only Jesus can save you. "

The Rugby Australia federation then decided to cancel his contract. The player went to court for "unfair dismissal" and was preparing to claim 14 million Australian dollars (8.6 million euros) in compensation claiming that his religious freedom had been violated.

Rugby Australia, NSW Rugby "and Israel Folau have today settled their dispute over the dismissal of Israel Folau after posting a religious message on a social network", the communique issued by the Australian federation, which would have been ruined in case of defeat in the courts, can be read.

The statement said Mr. Folau's message reflected "sincere religious beliefs" and that he did not want to offend anyone.

"Mr Folau wants all Australians to know that he does not endorse any discrimination based on sexual orientation and that he shares Rugby Australia's commitment to inclusion and diversity," says the text.

He adds that the Australian and New South Wales Federations "do not agree with the content" of the player's message.

The federation apologizes for the wrong that may have been caused to Folau and his family, the player claiming his side have never wanted to harm the rugby.

The press release does not mention at any time the player's sporting future.

Israel Folau again scandalized last month by suggesting that the gigantic forest fires and drought ravaging its country were "God's judgment" after the country legalized same-sex marriage and abortion.

"Look how fast these fires, these droughts, all these things happened in such a short time.Do you think it's a coincidence?" Folau had said. "God is speaking to you, Australia must repent and annul these laws, return to what is good according to God."

Same-sex marriage was legalized in the country after a referendum in 2017 and New South Wales became the last state to decriminalize abortion in September.

© 2019 AFP