Bernard Laporte, September 8, 2020. -

EMMA PROSDOCIMI / SIPA

It is not the best calendar for Bernard Laporte.

Ten days away from running for a new mandate at the head of the French Rugby Federation (FFR), the former Secretary of State for Sports under Nicolas Sarkozy was released from custody on Wednesday evening after two days of interrogation in Paris.

Justice suspects him of having used his influence in favor of a great financier of this sport.

Five police custody

The boss of the Altrad group, Mohed Altrad, owner of the Montpellier club and jersey sponsor of the XV of France, was also released in the evening, as was the general manager of the World-2023 Claude Atcher, and two senior officials of the Federation, its vice-president Serge Simon and its international relations manager Nicolas Hourquet.

The five men were taken into custody Tuesday morning upon their arrival at the premises of the Economic Crime Suppression Brigade (BRDE).

It is now up to the National Financial Prosecutor's Office (PNF) to decide on the follow-up to be given to this investigation opened in 2017 to examine in particular the links between Bernard Laporte and Mohed Altrad.

The PNF can decide to continue its preliminary investigation, to open a judicial investigation entrusted to investigating judges or to put an end to the investigations.

In this case, he can decide to close the case or to refer it to a court.

"The investigation is nearing completion, no decision has been taken at this stage," said the prosecution in the evening.

Revelations in 2017

The case, part of revelations of the

JDD

in August 2017, had spoiled the start of the mandate of Bernard Laporte, elected on December 3, 2016. It now risks hindering his end of the campaign with the clubs, responsible for deciding him on October 3 against to its main opponent, Florian Grill.

The boss of French rugby is particularly suspected of having favored Montpellier (Top 14) by intervening with the FFR's appeal committee to reduce sanctions against the club at the end of June 2017.

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